Military

           

             The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

            Lance Cpl. Chad R. Hildebrandt, 22, of Springer, N.M., died Oct. 17 from small-arms fire while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Rutbah, Iraq.  He was assigned to 1^st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1^st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit was attached to 2^nd Marine Division, II MEF (Forward).

            Media with questions about this Marine can call the Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office at 760-725-5044.