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

Sgt. Howard P. Allen, 31, of Mesa, Ariz., died in Baghdad, Iraq on Sept. 26 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV. Allen was assigned to the Army National Guard's 860th Military Police Company, Phoenix, Ariz.

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