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

Pfc. Benny S. Franklin, 19, of Hammond, La., died in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on Oct. 7, of injuries sustained earlier that day in Helmand, Afghanistan, when he stepped on a landmine during patrol operations. Franklin was assigned to the Army's 2nd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

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