The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Joe L. Dunigan Jr., 37, of Belton, Texas, died March 11, in Fallujah, Iraq, when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device. Dunigan was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, based at Fort Riley, Kan. The incident is under investigation.

Spc. Christopher K. Hill, 26, of Ventura, Calif., died March 11, in Fallujah, Iraq, when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device. Hill was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division based at Fort Riley, Kan. The incident is under investigation.

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