The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died April 28 in Tal Afar, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their Stryker military vehicle.

The soldiers were:

1st Lt. William A. Edens, 29, of Columbia, Mo. Edens was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

Spc. Ricky W. Rockholt Jr., 28, of Winston, Ore. Rockholt was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armor Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.

Sgt. Eric W. Morris, 31, of Sparks, Nev. Morris was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

Pfc. Robert W. Murray Jr., 21, of Westfield, Ind. Murray was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armor Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.

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