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

            Spc. Christopher A. Merville, 26, of Albuquerque, N.M., died October 12th in Baghdad, Iraq, when his unit came under enemy fire during combat operations.  Merville was assigned to 2^nd Battalion, 17^th Field Artillery, 2^nd Infantry Division, Camp Hovey, Korea.

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