Fort Hood announced the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.  The Soldiers died Sept. 20 in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.  

Pvt. Joseph Francisco Gonzales, 18, of Tucson, Arizona, joined the military in April 2007 as an Infantryman and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division since October 2007.

The Soldier’s deployed to Afghanistan July 2008.

Pvt. Gonzales’ military awards and decorations include the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon.