Fort Drum -- The Department of Defense announced Tuesday that two soldiers assigned to the 7th Engineer Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, died from injuries sustained in an IED attack on May 2.
According to the DoD, 2nd Lt. David E. Rylander, 23, of Ohio, and Spc. Junot M. L. Cochilus, 34, of North Carolina died of injuries sustained after their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device.
Rylander, an engineer officer, joined the Army in May 2011. He deployed with his unit in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in January 2012.
Rylander was awarded the Purple Heart, the NATO Medal and the National Defense Service Medal, among several others.
Rylander is survived by his mother, father, two brothers and sister.
Cochilus, a combat engineer, joined the Army in March 2010. He deployed with his unit in October 2011.
Cochilus's was a decorated service member who received the the Purple Heart, the NATO Medal and the National Defense Service Medal, along with many others.
Cochilus is survived by his wife, child, mother, father and brother.
