Military

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

            Sgt. 1^st Class Michael Battles Sr. 38, of San Antonio, Texas, died Oct. 28 in Baghdad, Iraq, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his checkpoint.  Battles was assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 21^st Field Artillery Regiment, 1^st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

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