The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraq Freedom.

Sgt. Mason Douglas Whetstone, 30, a Utah native, died on July 17 in Baghdad, Iraq. Whetstone died as a result of non-combat injuries. The incident is under investigation. Whetstone was assigned to the 3d Battalion, 58^th Aviation (Forward), Hanau, Germany.

Second Lt. Jonathan D. Rozier, 25, of Katy, Texas died on July 19 at Baghdad, Iraq. Lieutenant Rozier’s unit was fired upon by rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire while providing security at a municipal building. Rozier was assigned to B Company, 2-70^th Armor Battalion, Fort Riley, KS (1^st Armored Division).