
RICHMOND, Va. — A Virginia man was one of five soldiers killed Thursday during convoy operations in Iraq, the Department of Defense said Friday night.
Capt. Christopher P. Petty, 33, of Vienna, died in Najaf when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle, the department said.
The soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas.
Also killed were Maj. William F. Hecker III, 37, of St. Louis Sgt. 1st Class Stephen J. White, 39, of Talladega, Ala. Sgt. Johnny J. Peralez Jr., 25, of Kingsville, Texas and Pvt. Robbie M. Mariano, 21, of Stockton, Calif.
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