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

Pfc. Oscar Sanchez, 19, from Modesto, Calif., died Dec. 29 in Mosul, Iraq, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device struck his observation post. Sanchez was assigned to 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

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