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

Spc. Edgar P. Daclan Jr., 24, of Cypress, Calif., died Sept. 10 in Balad, Iraq, when his patrol was responding to indirect fire and an improvised explosive device exploded. Daclan was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division from Schweinfurt, Germany.

The incident is under investigation.

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