BAGHDAD (AP) -- An Iraqi militant accused of killing Pfc. Thomas Tucker of Madras and two other American soldiers has been sentenced to death by hanging.

KGW photo

Pfc. Thomas Tucker shown in a photo while serving in Iraq.

Two other men accused in the 2006 deaths were acquitted.

The killing of the three 101st Airborne Division soldiers was one of the most brazen attacks against U.S. forces since the Iraq war began in 2003.

The case marked the first time an Iraqi investigative judge sent a case involving an Iraqi killing specific Americans to trial.

The soldiers were ambushed while at an isolated checkpoint near the Euphrates River. One soldier was found dead at the site of the checkpoint.

More: Officers punished for mistakes in soldiers' deaths

The two other 101st soldiers were kidnapped, sparking a massive search effort by the military. Their mutiliated bodies were found three days later at a nearby power station, tied together and booby-trapped with roadside bombs.

Also: Parents reflect on Tucker's death