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

          Staff Sgt. Darren J. Cunningham, 40, of Groton, Mass., died Sept. 30 in Baghdad, Iraq, when his unit came under mortar attack.  Cunningham was assigned to the 89^th Military Police Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.

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