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

Spc. Eric G. Palacios Rivera, 21, of Atlantic City, N.J., died Nov. 14 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, of injuries suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. For further information related to this release the media can contact the 1st Infantry Division public affairs office at 011-49-931-889-6408.