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

Spc. Craig L. Nelson, 21, from Bossier City, La., died Dec. 29 at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., of injuries sustained Dec. 16 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle. Nelson was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 156th Armor Regiment, Shreveport, La.

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