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

Capt. John E. Tipton, 32, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., died May 2 in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, from an explosion while conducting combat operations. Tipton commanded Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

The incident is under investigation.

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