The Department of Defense announced today the death of six Soldiers supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died January 6 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device struck their Bradley fighting vehicle. All six were assigned to the Army National Guard's 256th Infantry Brigade (Mechanized), Lafayette, La. A seventh Soldier was also killed in the incident but the information will be released separately based upon next of kin notification policies.

Killed were:

Sgt. 1st Class Kurt J. Comeaux, 34, of Raceland, La., was assigned to the Army National Guard's 256th Infantry Brigade (Mechanized), Lafayette, La.

Sgt. Christopher J. Babin, 27, of Houma, La., was assigned to the Army National Guard's 256th Infantry Brigade (Mechanized), Lafayette, La.

Spc. Bradley J. Bergeron, 25, of Houma, La., was assigned to the Army National Guard's 256th Infantry Brigade (Mechanized), Lafayette, La.

Spc. Huey P. L. Fassbender, 24, of LaPlace, La., was assigned to the Army National Guard's 256th Infantry Brigade (Mechanized), Lafayette, La.

Spc. Armand L. Frickey, 20, Houma, La., was assigned to the Army National Guard's 256th Infantry Brigade (Mechanized), Lafayette, La.

Spc. Warren A. Murphy, 29, of Marrero, La., was assigned to the Army National Guard's 256th Infantry Brigade (Mechanized), Lafayette, La.

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