IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 016-06
January 6, 2006
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DoD Identifies Army Casualties
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.