Ohio Soldier Killed Christmas Eve

SEVEN HILLS, Ohio (AP) — A Cleveland-area soldier was killed in Iraq on Christmas Eve when he was attacked by enemy forces, the Department of Defense announced yesterday.

Master Sgt. Joseph J. Andres Jr., 34, of Seven Hills, was conducting combat operations at the time of the attack in Baqouba, the Defense Department said.

He died Saturday in Balad of injuries suffered in the fighting, according to a release.

Andres was assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, N.C. A message was left yesterday seeking comment from Andres’ family.

The Department of Defense did not provide any other information on Andres’ death.