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

Sgt. 1st Class Obediah J. Kolath, 32, of Louisburg, Mo., died on Aug. 28, 2005, in Landstuhl, Germany, of injuries sustained on Aug. 25, 2005, inHusaybah, Iraq, where an improvised explosive device detonated near his position. The incident involved three other soldiers whose deaths were announced on Aug. 27, 2005. Kolath was assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, N.C.

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