The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died March 7, in Ramadi, Iraq, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near their screening area. The two men were assigned to the Army's 44th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Howze, Korea.

Killed were:

Sgt. Andrew L. Bossert, 24, of Fountain City, Wis.,

Pfc. Michael W. Franklin, 22, of Coudersport, Pa.

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