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

Spc. Blain M. Ebert, 22, of Washtucna, Wash., died Nov. 22 in Baghdad, Iraq, when enemy forces engaged his unit with small arms fire. Ebert was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

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