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

Sgt. Ivory L. Phipps, 44, of Chicago, Ill., died March 17, in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a mortar attack. Phipps was assigned to the 1544th Transportation Company, Illinois Army National Guard, Paris, Ill.

The incident is under investigation.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.