Tulsa Soldier Killed In Iraq

NewsOn6.com & Dan Bewley, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- A Tulsa soldier was killed in an attack in northern Iraq on Sunday.

Private First Class Dylan Johnson and Staff Sergeant Russel Proctor of California died Sunday when their unit was hit with an improvised explosive device.

PFC Johnson, 20, attended Jenks High School. He was in Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn.

His squadron was on patrol Sunday in the Diyala province near the town of Jalula, northeast of Baghdad, when they were attacked and killed.

PFC Dylan Johnson wanted to make a difference for his country. His step father told News On 6 reporter Dan Bewley he could have done anything in the Army but chose one of the more dangerous and difficult jobs that put his life in harm's way.

A former teacher of Johnson told News On 6: "Dylan possessed a kind spirit and was a bit reserved in my World Literature class. We all ache for the loss of this young life and grieve with his family. We do not know what he could have achieved but we are humbled that he had made the supreme sacrifice for his country."

The Department of Defense says Army Private First Class Dylan J. Johnson was assigned to the 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, out of Fort Hood, Texas.

Johnson's death brings to 4,465 the number of American troops who have died in Iraq. That's according to an Associated Press count.

Twelve U.S. troops have died this month in Iraq. It's the highest number of military deaths since May 2009, and all but one were killed in combat.

Private Johnson will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. The service is scheduled for July 4, 2011.