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

Staff Sgt. Gary R. Harper Jr., 29, of Virden, Ill., died in Baghdad, Iraq on Oct. 9, when his reconnaissance mission was attacked by enemy forces. Harper was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group, Fort Campbell, Ky.

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