The Department of Defense announced today the death of 1st Lt. Jacob N. Fritz, 25, of Verdon, Neb., who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. He died Jan 20 in Karbala, Iraq, from wounds sustained when his patrol was ambushed while conducting dismounted operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. He had been leading a unit of more than 30 soldiers in Iraq since October

One of Fritz's younger brothers followed him to West Point. He is in the class of 2008.

He is survived by his parents, Lyle and Noala, and brothers Daniel and Ethan.

Funeral plans are pending.

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