Raleigh, N.C. — A Raleigh man died Wednesday supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Department of Defense announced.

Sgt. Courtney T. Johnson, 26, died in Besmaya, Iraq, when his unit came under fire, officials said. He leaves behind a fiancee and a 1-year-old son.

Johnson's mother said she received a personal call from her son's commander. He called Johnson an exceptional soldier, she said. 

As the ambulance drove away with Johnson's body, dozens of soldiers gave him a final salute, the commander said.

Johnson had also served in the Marine Corps before joining the U.S. Army.

A memorial was held Saturday in his honor.

Johnson was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division in Fort Benning, Ga.