The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died April 4 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations.They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Killed were:

Pfc. Walter Freeman Jr., 20, of Lancaster, Calif.

Pfc. Derek A. Gibson, 20, Eustis, Fla.

For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Carson public affairs office at (719) 526-3420; after hours (719) 526-5500.