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