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

Sgt. James C. Matteson, 23, of Celoron, N.Y., died Nov. 12 in Fallujah, Iraq, when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Matteson was assigned to the Army's 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Vilseck, Germany.

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