The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Al Mahmudiyah, Iraq, on Oct. 31, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV during patrol operations. The Soldiers were assigned to the Army's 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.

Killed were:

Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Tessar, 36, of Simi Valley, Calif.

Spc. William J. Byler, 23, of Ballinger, Texas.

Pfc. David J. Martin, 21, of Edmond, Okla.

Pvt. Adam R. Johnson, 22, of Clayton, Ohio.

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