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

Pfc. Jason N. Lynch, 21, of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, died June 18 in Buhriz, Iraq, of small arms fire wounds he received as his unit was engaging the enemy. Lynch was assigned to the Armys 1^st Battalion, 6^th Field Artillery, 1^st Infantry Division, Bamberg, Germany.

The incident is under investigation.

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