The Department of Defense announced today the death of five soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in An Najaf, Iraq, on Jan. 5, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV during convoy operations. The soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Killed were:
Maj. William F. Hecker, III, 37, of St. Louis, Mo.
Capt. Christopher P. Petty, 33, of Vienna, Va.
Sgt. 1st Class Stephen J. White, 39, of Talladega, Ala.
Sgt. Johnny J. Peralez, Jr., 25, of Kingsville, Texas.
Pvt. Robbie M. Mariano, 21, of Stockton, Calif.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
