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

Staff Sgt. Joseph P. Garyantes, 34, of Rehoboth, Del., died May 18 by sniper fire in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, while on a combat patrol. Garyantes was assigned to B Company, 1^st Battalion, 63^rd Armor Regiment, 1^st Infantry Division, Vilseck, Germany.

The incident is under investigation.

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