US Military Report: Bush’s Achilles’ Heel


The Bush Butcher’s Bill: Officially, 84 US Military Deaths in Iraq from 2 through 28 May, 2005 – Official Total of 1,747 US Dead to date (and rising)


U.S. Military Personnel who died in German hospitals or en route to German hospitals have not previously been counted. They total about 6,210 as of 1 January, 2005. The ongoing, underreporting of the dead in Iraq, is not accurate. The DoD is deliberately reducing the figures. A review of many foreign news sites show that actual deaths are far higher than the newly reduced ones. Iraqi civilian casualties are never reported but International Red Cross, Red Crescent and UN figures indicate that as of 1 January 2005, the numbers are just under 100,000.


Note: There is excellent reason to believe that the Department of Defense is deliberately not reporting a significant number of the dead in Iraq. We have received copies of manifests from the MATS that show far more bodies shipped into Dover AFP than are reported officially. The educated rumor is that the actual death toll is in excess of 7,000. Given the officially acknowledged number of over 15,000 seriously wounded, this elevated death toll is far more realistic than the current 1,400+ now being officially published. When our research is complete, and watertight, we will publish the results along with the sources. In addition to the evident falsification of the death rolls, at least 5,500 American military personnel have deserted, most in Ireland but more have escaped to Canada and other European countries, none of whom are inclined to cooperate with vengeful American authorities. (See TBR News of 18 February for full coverage on the mass desertions) This means that of the 158,000 U.S. military shipped to Iraq, 26,000 either deserted, were killed or seriously wounded. The DoD lists currently being very quietly circulated indicate almost 9,000 dead, over 16,000 seriously wounded and a large number of suicides, forced hospitalization for ongoing drug usage and sales, murder of Iraqi civilians and fellow soldiers , rapes, courts martial and so on – Brian Harring

Haven’t we had enough of this?

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The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died April 28 in Tal Afar, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their Stryker military vehicle. Killed were: 1st Lt. William A. Edens, 29, of Columbia, Mo. Edens was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash. Sgt. Eric W. Morris, 31, of Sparks, Nev. Morris was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash. Spc. Ricky W. Rockholt Jr., 28, of Winston, Ore. Rockholt was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armor Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo. Pfc. Robert W. Murray Jr., 21, of Westfield, Ind. Murray was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armor Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. Timothy C. Kiser, 37, of Tehama, Calif., died April 28 in Riyhad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his patrol. Kiser was assigned to the Army National Guard's 340th Forward Support Battalion, 40th Infantry Division, Red Bluff, Calif.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were killed supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died April 29 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their dismounted patrol. Both soldiers were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y. The soldiers were: Pfc. Darren A. Deblanc, 20, of Evansville, Ind. Pvt. Charles S. Cooper, Jr., 19, of Jamestown, N.Y.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Joseph S. Tremblay, 23, of New Windsor, N.Y., died April 27 from injuries received from a mine explosion while conducting combat operations in vicinity of Hit, Iraq. He was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve’s 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Moundsville, W.Va. As part of Operation Iraqi Freedom his unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

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The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Juan De Dios Garcia-Arana, 27, of Los Angeles, Calif., died April 30 in Khaladiyah, Iraq, when his Bradley Fighting Vehicle was attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire. Garcia-Arana was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Hovey, Korea.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. 2nd Lt. Clifford V. Gadsden, 25, of South Carolina, died April 29 in Balad, Iraq, when a vehicle-born improvised explosive device detonated near his convoy vehicle. Gadsden was assigned to the Army’s 603rd Transportation Company, 142nd Corps Support Battalion, Warrior Brigade, Fort Polk, La.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Tommy S. Little, 47, of Aliceville, Ala., died May 2 at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, of injuries sustained on April 19 near Iskandariyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV. Little was assigned to the Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 114th Field Artillery Regiment, Columbus, Miss.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died April 29 in Diyarah, Iraq, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated as they were conducting a traffic control point inspection. Both were assigned to 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Irwin, Calif. Killed were: Capt. Stephen W. Frank, 29, of Michigan. Capt. Ralph J. Harting III, 28, of Delaware.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Derrick J. Lutters, 24, of Burlington, Colo., died May 1 along a supply route in Iraq when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated while his unit was inspecting a bridge for enemy tampering. Lutters was assigned to the Army National Guard’s 891st Engineer Brigade, Pittsburg, Kan

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The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Maj. John C. Spahr, 42, of Cherry Hill, N.J., died May 2 from injuries received when the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft he was piloting apparently crashed in Iraq. He was assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. His unit was embarked aboard the U.S.S. Carl Vinson.

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The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Kenya A. Parker, 26, of Fairfield, Ala., died April 30 in Baghdad, Iraq, of a non-combat related medical condition. Parker was assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Capt. Kelly C. Hinz, 30, of Woodbury, Minn., died May 2 from injuries received when the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft he was piloting crashed in Iraq while flying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. His unit was embarked aboard the U.S.S. Carl Vinson.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. John E. McGee, 36, of Columbus, Ga., died May 2 near Diwaniyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his convoy vehicle. McGee was assigned to the Army National Guard's 2101st Transportation Company, Camden, Ala.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Stephen P. Saxton, 24, of Temecula, Calif., died May 3 in Baghdad, Iraq, when his unit was conducting a route security mission and an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV. Saxton was assigned to the Army's 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.

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The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. William J. Brooks, 30, of Birmingham, Ala., died May 3 in Baghdad, Iraq, when his unit was conducting a route security mission and an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV. Brooks was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

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The Department of Defense announced today the death of three Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom: Sgt. Aaron N. Cepeda Sr., 22, San Antonio, Texas. Lance Cpl. Lance T. Graham, 26, San Antonio, Texas. Lance Cpl. Michael V. Postal, 21, Glen Oaks, N.Y. All died May 7 from explosions as a result of enemy action while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Cepeda and Graham were assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, San Antonio, Texas. As part of Operation Iraqi Freedom their unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). Postal was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Lawrence R. Philippon, 22, of Hartford, Conn., died May 8 from enemy small-arms fire while conducting combat operations in the vicinity of Al Qa'im, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Dustin A. Derga, 24, of Columbus, Ohio, died May 8 as the result of enemy small arms fire while conducting combat operations in Ubaydi, Iraq. Sgt. Michael A. Marzano, 28, of Greenville, Pa., died May 7 as the result of an explosion caused by suicide vehicle borne improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations in Hadithah, Iraq. Both Marines were assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division. Marzano's company is based in Phoenix, Ariz., and Derga's company is based Columbus, Ohio. As part of Operation Iraqi Freedom their unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

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The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Gary A. Eckert Jr., 24, of Toledo, Ohio, died May 8 in Balad, Iraq, from injuries sustained earlier that day in Samarra, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV. Eckert was assigned to the Army Reserve's 983rd Engineer Battalion, Monclova, Ohio.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Cpl. Richard P. Schoener, 22, of Hayes, La., died May 8 in Alishang, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Petty Officer Third Class Jeffery L. Wiener, 32, of Louisville, Ky., died May 7, in a combat related incident. Weiner was a Navy hospital corpsman assigned to II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF).

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The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died May 8 in Khalidiyah, Iraq, when they were conducting combat operations and an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV. Both were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Greaves, Korea. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Thor H. Ingraham, 24, of Murrysville, Pa. Pfc. Nicolas E. Messmer, 20, of Franklin, Ohio.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Stephen P. Baldwyn, 19, of Saltillo, Miss. Lance Cpl. Taylor B. Prazynski, 20, of Fairfield, Ohio. Both Marines died May 9. Baldwyn died as a result of wounds received from an explosion while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Nasser Wa Salaam, Iraq. Prazynski died from an explosion while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Karmah, Iraq. Both Marines were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Anthony L. Goodwin, 33, of Mount Holly, N.J., died May 9 from enemy small-arms fire while conducting combat operations in the vicinity of Al Qaim, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Lance Cpl. Nicholas C. Kirven, 21, of Richmond, Va., was killed May 8 as a result of enemy action in Alishang, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Marcus Mahdee, 20, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., died May 9 as a result of wounds received from an enemy explosion while conducting combat operations in the vicinity of Al Karmah, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

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The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. 1st Sgt. Michael J. Bordelon, 37, of Morgan City, La., died May 10 at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, from injuries sustained April 23 in Mosul, Iraq, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his Stryker military vehicle. Bordelon was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Wesley G. Davids, 20, of Dublin, Ohio, died May 11 from an explosion while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Karabilah, Iraq. He was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division, Columbus, Ohio. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his reserve unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

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The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. John T. Schmidt III, 21, of Brookfield, Conn., died May 11 from wounds received as a result of an explosion while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, on Jan. 30. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Schmidt's unit was attached to 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. John M. Smith, 22, of Wilmington, N.C., died May 12 in Iskandariyah, Iraq, from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Smith was assigned to the Army's 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Irwin, Calif.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Kendall H. Ivy II, 28, of Crawford, Ohio, was killed May 11 from an explosion while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Karabilah, Iraq. He was assigned to Regimental Combat Team 2, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spec. Steven R. Givens, 26, of Mobile, Ala., died May 8 in Balad, Iraq, from injuries sustained from enemy small arms fire. Givens was assigned to the Army's 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade, 3d Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Samuel T. Castle, 26, of Naples, Texas, died May 11 in Al Asad, Iraq, from injuries sustained from an improvised explosive device detonation. Castle was assigned to the Army's 327th Signal Battalion, 35th Signal Brigade, Fort Bragg. N. C.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Andrew R. Jodon, 27, of Karthaus, Penn., died May 12 in Samarra, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle. Jodon was assigned to the Army's 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Kenneth E. Zeigler II, 22, of Dillsburg, Penn., died May 12 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle. Ziegler was assigned to the Army's 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

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The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Travis W. Anderson, 28, of Hooper, Colo., died May 13 in Bayji, Iraq, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his convoy. Anderson was assigned to the Army's 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

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The Department of Defense announced today the death of four Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Christopher R. Dixon, 18, of Columbus, Ohio. Lance Cpl. Nicholas B. Erdy, 21, of Williamsburg, Ohio. Lance Cpl. Jonathan W. Grant, 23, of Santa Fe, N.M. Lance Cpl. Jourdan L. Grez, 24, of Harrisonburg, Va. All Marines were killed May 11 when their amphibious assault vehicle struck an explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Karabilah, Iraq. Dixon and Erdy were assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Columbus, Ohio. Grant was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Albuquerque, N.M., and Grez was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Roanoke, Va. For Operation Iraqi Freedom, these Marines' units were attached to Regimental Combat Team 2, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

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The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Charles C. Gillican, III, 35, of Brunswick, Ga., died May 14 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, from injuries sustained in a military vehicle accident. Gillican was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment, 48th Infantry Brigade, Brunswick, Ga.

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The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Wesley R. Riggs, 19, of Baytown, Texas died May 17 in Tikrit, Iraq, from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted position. Riggs was assigned to the Army's 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt Jacob M. Simpson, 24, of Ashland, Oregon died May 16, in Tal Afar, Iraq, when a rocket propelled grenade struck the building he was securing. Simpson was assigned to the Army's 2d Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment from Fort Carson, Colo.

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The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Wyatt D. Eisenhauer, 26, of Pinckneyville, Ill., died May 19 in Mahmudiyah, Iraq, on an escort mission in a HMMWV when an improvised explosive device detonated on a bridge. Eisenhauer was assigned to the Army's 2nd Battalion, 70th Armor, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died May 19 in Baghdad, Iraq, when they were shot while conducting dismounted combat operations. Both were assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 156th Armor Regiment, 256th Brigade Combat Team, Shreveport, La. The soldiers are: Spec. Bernard L. Sembly, 25, of Bossier City, La. Sgt. Robin V. Fell, 22, of Shreveport, La.

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The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Kurt D. Schamberg, 26, of Euclid, Ohio, died May 20, in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV. Schamberg was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

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The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Benjamin C. Morton, 24, of Wright, Kan., died May 22, in Mosul, Iraq, when his dismounted patrol encountered enemy small arms fire. Morton was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Kenneth J. Schall, 22, of Peoria, Ariz., died May 22, in Yusafiyah, Iraq, when the HMMWV in which he was riding was involved in an accident. Schall was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Joshua T. Brazee, 25, of Sand Creek, Mich., died May 23, in Al Qaim, Iraq, from non-combat related injuries. Brazee was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Pfc. Steven C. Tucker, 19, of Grapevine, Texas, died May 21, in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained near Shinkay, Afghanistan, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV. Tucker was assigned to the Army's 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, Vicenza, Italy.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Antwan L. Walker, 22, of Tampa, Fla., died May 18 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, when his camp was attacked by enemy forces using indirect fire. Walker was assigned to the Army's 2nd Forward Support Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Pfc. Kyle M. Hemauer, 21, of Manassas, Va., died in Afghanistan, of non-combat related injuries. Hemauer was assigned to the Army National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, Manassas, Va.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on May 22 in Mosul, Iraq, from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV. Both were assigned to the 73rd Engineer Company, Fort Lewis, Wash. Killed were: 1st Lt. Aaron N. Seesan, 25, of Ohio. Spc. Tyler L. Creamean, 21, of Jacksonville, Ark.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Brad A. Wentz, 21, of Gladwin, Mich., died May 20 on a main supply route in Iraq when his convoy came under attack by enemy forces. Wentz was assigned to the Army Reserve's 180th Transportation Company, Muskegon, Mich.

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The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Charles T. Wilkerson, 30, of Kansas City, Mo., died May 22 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an unknown ordnance detonated near his tent. Wilkerson was assigned to the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Christopher S. Perez, 30, of Hutchinson, Kan., died May 23 from wounds received as a result of an indirect fire attack while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Ramadi, Iraq. He was assigned to Headquarters and Service Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. John B. Ogburn III, 45, of Fruitland, Ore., died May 22, in Kirkuk, Iraq, when his HMMWV overturned after the driver avoided striking a civilian vehicle. Ogburn was assigned to the Army National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 116th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Ontario, Ore.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Carl J. Morgain, 40, of Butler, Pa., died May 22, in Balad, Iraq, of injuries sustained in Kadasia, Iraq, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV. Morgain was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, Butler, Pa.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. 1st Class Peter J. Hahn, 31, of Metairie, La., died May 24, in Baghdad, Iraq, when his observation point was engaged by enemy forces using small arms fire. Hahn was assigned to the Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, 256th Brigade Combat Team, New Iberia, La.

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The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Russell J. Verdugo, 34, of Phoenix, Ariz., died May 23, in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated as he was responding to a report of an improvised explosive device. Verdugo was assigned to the 767th Ordnance Company, Fort McNair, Washington, D.C.

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The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. David N. Wimberg, 24, of Louisville, Ky., died May 25 from wounds received as a result of small-arms fire from enemy forces while conducting combat operations in Hadithah, Iraq. Wimberg was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Columbus, Ohio. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. First Class Randy D. Collins, 36, of Long Beach, Calif., died May 24 at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., of injuries sustained in Mosul, Iraq, May 4 during a mortar attack. Collins was assigned to the Army's 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Irwin, Calif.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on May 23 in Haswa, Iraq, when their military vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. The soldiers are: Spec. Bryan Edward Barron, 26, of Biloxi, Miss. Barron was assigned to the Army National Guard's C Company, 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry, Biloxi, Miss. Spec. Audrey Daron Lunsford, 29, of Sardis, Miss. Lunsford was assigned to the Army National Guard's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry, McComb, Miss. Staff Sgt. Saburant Parker, 43, of Foxworth, Miss. Parker was assigned to the Army National Guard's C Company, 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry, Biloxi, Miss. Sgt. Daniel Ryan Varnado, 23, of Saucier, Miss. Varnado was assigned to the Army National Guard's C Company, 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry, Biloxi, Miss.

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The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Maj. Ricardo A. Crocker, 39, of Mission Viejo, Calif., died May 26 from a rocket propelled grenade explosion while conducting combat operations in Hadithah, Iraq. Crocker was assigned to the Marine Forces Reserve's 3rd Civil Affairs Group, Camp Pendleton, Calif. During Operation Iraqi Freedom his unit was attached to II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Alfred B. Siler, 33, of Duff, Tenn., died May 25 in Tuz, Iraq, when his HMMWV hit another vehicle. Siler was assigned to the Army National Guard's Support Squadron, 278th Regimental Combat Team, Knoxville, Tenn.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Mark A. Maida, 22, of Madison, Wis., died May 27 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained in Diyarah, Iraq, May 26 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV. Maida was assigned to the Army's 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Irwin, Calif.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on May 27 from injuries sustained on May 26 in Buhriz, Iraq, when their OH-58 (Kiowa Warrior) came under small arms attack and crashed. Both soldiers were assigned to the Army's 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. The soldiers are: CW4 Matthew Scott Lourey, 40, of East Bethel, Minn. CW2 Joshua Michael Scott, 28, of Sun Prairie, Wis.