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

Capt. Eric L. Allton, 34, of Houston, Texas, died Sept. 26 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, when he was struck by a mortar round. Allton was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Hovey, Korea.

The incident is under investigation.

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