The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of four soldiers who were killed when their UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter crashed Jan. 8 near Fallujah, Iraq. The soldiers were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Killed were:

Spc. Michael A. Diraimondo, 22, of Simi Valley, Calif. Diraimondo was assigned to the 571st Medical Company (Air Ambulance), based in Fort Carson, Colo.

Sgt. 1st Class Gregory B. Hicks, 35, of Duff, Tenn. Hicks was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, based in Fort Hood, Texas.

Spc. Nathaniel H. Johnson, 22, of Augusta, Ga. Johnson was assigned to Company D (Aviation), 82nd Support Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division based in Fort Bragg, N.C.

Spc. Christopher A. Golby, 26, of Johnstown, Penn. Golby was assigned to the 571st Medical Company (Air Ambulance) based in Fort Carson, Colo.

This incident is under investigation.