United States Department of Defense

     The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of four soldiers who were killed when their UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter crashed Jan. 8 near Fallujah, Iraq.  The soldiers were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Killed were:

     Spc. Michael A. Diraimondo, 22, of Simi Valley, Calif.  Diraimondo was assigned to the 571^st Medical Company (Air Ambulance), based in Fort Carson, Colo.

     Sgt. 1^st Class Gregory B. Hicks, 35, of Duff, Tenn.  Hicks was assigned to Company B, 1^st Battalion, 9^th Cavalry Regiment, 1^st Cavalry Division, based in Fort Hood, Texas.

     Spc. Nathaniel H. Johnson, 22, of Augusta, Ga.  Johnson was assigned to Company D (Aviation), 82^nd Support Battalion, 82^nd Airborne Division based in Fort Bragg, N.C.

     Spc. Christopher A. Golby, 26, of Johnstown, Penn.  Golby was assigned to the 571^st Medical Company (Air Ambulance) based in Fort Carson, Colo.

     This incident is under investigation.