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

Pfc. Stephen C. Benish, 20, of Clark, N.J., died Nov. 28 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, when he received enemy fire while on a dismounted patrol. Benish was assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 503^rd Infantry Regiment, 2^nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Howze, Korea.

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