The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Michael G. Mihalakis, 18, of San Jose, Calif., died on Dec. 26, 2003, in Baghdad, Iraq. Mihalakis died as a result of injuries sustained in a non-combat vehicle accident at the Baghdad International Airport. Mihalakis was assigned to the 270th Military Police Company, 49th Military Police Battalion, 100th Troop Command, California Combat Support Command, Army National Guard, based in Fairfield, Calif.

The incident is under investigation.