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

Staff Sgt. Frank Tiai, 45, of Pago Pago, American Samoa, died July 17 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his position. Tiai was assigned to the Army Reserve's 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry, Fort Shafter, Hawaii.

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