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

He died Jan. 9 of wounds sustained during combat operations in Samarra, Iraq. The incident is under investigation, according to the Defense Department.

The news release from the Pentagon identified him as Pfc. Ivan E. Merlo, 19, of San Marcos, Calif.

Pfc. Merlo was one of three soldiers killed in the attack. All were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.