The Department of Defense announced today the death of eight soldiers supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on April 4, in Baghdad, Iraq, when their units were attacked with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire. Eight soldiers were assigned to two units at Fort Hood, Texas, while one soldier was assigned in Germany. Killed were:

Sgt. Michael W. Mitchell, 25, of Porterville, Calif., from the Army's 2nd Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Ray Barracks, Friedberg, Germany.

Soldiers killed from the Army's 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas were:

• Sgt. Yihjyh L. Chen, 31, of Saipan, Marianas Protectorate.

• Spc. Robert R. Arsiaga, 25, of San Antonio, Texas.

• Spc. Stephen D. Hiller, 25, of Opelika, Ala.

• Spc. Ahmed A. Cason, 24, of McCalla, Ala.

• Spc. Israel Garza, 25, of Lubbock, Texas.

Soldiers killed from the Army's 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas were:

• Cpl. Forest J. Jostes, 22, of Albion, Ill.

• Spc. Casey Sheehan, 24, of Vacaville, Calif.

The incident is under investigation.

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