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

1^st Lt. Christopher W. Barnett, 32, of Baton Rouge, La., died Dec. 23 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle. Barnett was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1^st Battalion, 156^th Armor Regiment, 256^th Brigade Combat Team, Shreveport, La.

The incident is under investigation.

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