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

Staff Sgt. Robert C. Thornton Jr., 35, of Rainbow City, Ala., died Aug. 23 in Baghdad, Iraq, when his patrol came under rocket-propelled grenade attack. Thornton was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

The incident is under investigation.

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