The Pentagon today explained how a Bryn Athyn soldier died last Sunday in a roadside bomb in Iraq.

Tristan C. Smith and three other soldiers based in Fort Hood, Texas, were killed in the explosion during combat operations in the Iraqi village of Taji, about 20 miles northwest of Baghdad.

The statement says the road mine exploded near the men's Bradley Fighting Vehicle.

Slideshow: Local Firefighter, Soldier Killed In Iraq

On Monday, the tight-knit local community of Bryn Athyn mourned the loss of the 23-year-old killed fighting for his country.

"We are very proud of this son of ours," said Kim Smith. "He wanted to help people in a variety of ways."

As a teenager, Tristan Smith joined the Bryn Athyn fire company at the age of 16 years old.

The 23 year-old died Sunday in Iraq while on patrol after an improvised device exploded.

His family said Tristan just wanted to help others.

"He was definitely doing what he wanted," said Grant Smith. "He thought about it for years."

His family says he was inspired by the heroic acts of September 11 to do more to help

Smith finished basic training in December 2004 and he has spent the last eight months in Iraq as a weapons specialist.

Smith was on home leave three weeks ago. Friends say he wasn't able to tell them where he was stationed but they knew it was dangerous.

"He gave his life for his country there is no higher honor than that," said Grant Schnarr, Smith's pastor.

Smith was also a local volunteer firefighter.

On Monday, his fellow firefighters tied black bunting above the bay doors at the Bryn Athyn fire department, where the flag flies at half-staff.