HARTFORD, COnn. -- The Defense Department says an Army lieutenant from Connecticut has been killed in combat in Iraq.

The military said 26-year-old Thomas Brown, who grew up in Shelton, died Tuesday after his patrol came under small-arms fire in Salman Park, about 60 miles north of Baghdad. He had been living in Burke, Va.

Connecticut Remembers Soldier Killed In Iraq

"Everyone who's known him, he's really made a difference in their lives," said Tim Brown, Thomas' twin brother. "He meant a lot to me and my family, and his sacrifice means a lot to this country."

Brown was with the 1st Armored Division and was the 41st member of the military from Connecticut to die in Iraq and Afghanistan since the wars began.

Brown's mother, Carol Brown, told The Hartford Courant that her son was due to return home on leave in three weeks.

Gov. Jodi has ordered that all U.S. and state flags in Connecticut be flown at half-staff in honor of Brown. They will remain at half-staff until Brown has been interred, Rell said.

"We must never lose sight of the scarifices our military members make each and every day as they serve our great country," Rell said. "Our deepest condolences go out ot the family of Lt. Brown. We can best honor honor his selfless dedication to our freedoms by keeping Lt. Brown and all our men and women overseas in our thoughts and prayers."

Funeral arrangements are pending.