The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on April 24, in Taji, Iraq, when mortar rounds hit their camp. The four Soldiers were assigned to the Army National Guard,s 39th Support Battalion, 39th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Hazen, Ark. Killed were:

• Capt. Arthur L. Felder, 36, of Louisville, Ark.

• Chief Warrant Patrick W. Kordsmeier, 49, of North Little Rock, Ark.

• Staff Sgt. Billy J. Orton, 41, of Humnoke, Ark.

• Staff Sgt. Stacey C. Brandon, 35, of Hazen, Ark.

The incident is under investigation.

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