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

Sgt. David J. Almazan, 27, of Van Nuys, Calif., died on Aug 27, in Hit, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. Almazan was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Friedberg, Germany.

For further information related to this release, contact the 1st Armored Division public affairs office at 011-49-611-705-4862.