The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Nov. 12 in Samarra, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations.Both soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Killed were:

1st Lt. Michael A. Cerrone, 24, of Clarksville, Tenn.

Pfc. Harry A. Winkler III, 32, of Clarksville, Tenn.

For further information related to this release the media can contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at (910) 432-0661.