The Department of Defense announced today the death of five soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on Sept. 28, in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, where their M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle was attacked by enemy forces using indirect fire. The soldiers were assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, New Milford, Pa.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Daniel L. Arnold, 27, of Montrose, Pa.

Staff Sgt. George A. Pugliese, 39, of Carbondale, Pa.

Sgt. Eric W. Slebodnik, 21, of Greenfield Township, Pa.

Spc. Lee A. Wiegand, 20, of Hallstead, Pa.

Pfc. Oliver J. Brown, 19, of Carbondale, Pa.

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