The Department of Defense announced Friday the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Aaron X. Wittman, 28, of Chester, Va., died Jan. 10, in Khogyani District, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, from injuries sustained when his unit was attacked by small-arms fire while on mounted patrol. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team.

An infantryman, Wittman joined the Army in October 2008 and arrived at Fort Stewart in February 2012.

This was his second deployment. His awards include the Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals.