The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Aug. 1, in Samarra, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device exploded near their guard post. Both soldiers were assigned to the Army's 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. Killed were:

• Spc. Anthony J. Dixon, 20, of Lindenwold, N.J.

• Spc. Armando Hernandez, 22, of Hesperia, Calif.

The incident is under investigation.

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