GI’s Iraq death investigated

A 31-year-old Honolulu soldier who died of noncombat injuries in Iraq on Friday would have ended his tour of duty in August or September.

Sgt. Michael J. Montpetit was sent to Iraq in October. His unit -- the 15th Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, from Fort Hood in Texas -- was scheduled to come home around Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Army said.

In announcing Montpetit's death, the Pentagon did not say how he died. The cause of his death is under investigation.

Montpetit went to Fort Hood in October 2005, where he was assigned to repair chemical equipment. He had joined the Army in May 1997.

His decorations and awards include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Driver/Mechanic Badge.

Since the United States invaded Iraq in March 2003, 62 soldiers, three sailors, 79 Marines, two Air Force personnel and one civilian with Hawaii ties have died there.