The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died during combat operationsAug 27, in Baghdad, Iraq, when their M1126 Stryker Vehicle came in contact with enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

Killed were:

Spc. Kenneth M. Cross, 21, of Superior, Wis.

Pfc. Daniel G. Dolan, 19, of Roy, Utah.

Media with questions about these soldiers can contact the Fort Lewis Public Affairs Office at (253) 967-0152/0146.