The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on Oct. 13, in Mosul, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their convoy vehicle.

Killed were:

Lt. Col. Mark P. Phelan, 44, of Green Lane, Pa. Phelan was assigned to the Army Reserve's 416th Civil Affairs Battalion, Morristown, Pa.

Maj. Charles R. Soltes, Jr., 36, of Irvine, Calif. Soltes was assigned to the Army Reserve's 426th Civil Affairs Battalion, Upland, Calif.

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