A Honolulu man died Tuesday from wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his position during a dismounted patrol in Ilbu Falris, Iraq, the Department of Defense announced.

Sgt. Richard V. Correa, 25, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, N.Y.

Also killed in the attack was Staff Sgt. Joseph M. Weiglein, 31, of Audubon, N.J.

Correa enlisted in the Army in November 2000. He completed Ranger School, the Combat Lifesaver Course and Airborne School.

His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab and several Air Force awards.

He is survived by his parents.

The 2nd Brigade Combat Team deployed to Iraq in July 2006; its duty there was recently extended.

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who stopped in Hawai'i yesterday and talked with reporters, was asked about Correa's death and if he wanted to convey any thoughts to his family.

"Probably the most difficult part of my job is every night sitting down and writing condolence letters," said Gates, who became defense secretary in December. "I feel very strongly about the families of every soldier and Marine who is killed in Iraq or Afghanistan. It's very painful (and) it's very personal."

Gates said he hand-writes notes on each of the condolence letters "because I want them to know that each and every one of them is important to me, important to the president, and they have our utmost sympathy."

By the same token, Gates said, for the first time in U.S. history since the Revolution, the nation is fighting a war with an all-volunteer force.

"These young men and women ... who are fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq are fighting there because they believe in what they are doing," he said.

There have now been 115 U.S. deaths in Iraq reported in May — trailing only the 137 in November 2004 and the 135 in April 2004.

Correa's death marks the 202nd for Hawai'i. The total includes all fallen military personnel since March 2003 with ties to the state.