Spc. Kurt W. Kern

FORT HOOD, Texas — The Department of Defense announced the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Kurt W. Kern, 24, whose home of record is listed as McAllen, Texas, died Dec. 27 in Paktia, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered from the detonation of an improvised explosive device.

Kern joined the military in September 2009 as military police and was assigned to the 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Hood, since September 2011.

Kern deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in December 2011.

Kern’s awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon.