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

Sgt. Benjamin C. Morton, 24, of Wright, Kan., died May 22, in Mosul, Iraq, when his dismounted patrol encountered enemy small arms fire. Morton was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

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