DoD Identifies Army Casualty
February 17, 2004

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

Spc. Michael M. Merila, 23, of Sierra Vista, Ariz., died Feb. 16 in Talifar, Iraq, when his convoy was hit by an improvised explosive device. Merila was assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, Fort Lewis, Wash.

The incident is under investigation.