Military

            The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

            Cpl. Benny G. Cockerham III, 21, of Conover, N.C.

 

            Capt. Tyler B. Swisher, 35, of Cincinnati, Ohio

 

            Both Marines died when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces near Al Amariyah, Iraq on Oct. 21.  Their vehicle was traveling beside a canal when the attack occurred and the two Marines were thrown from the vehicle into the water.  They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. 

            Media with questions about these Marines can call the 2nd Marine Division Public Affairs Office at (910) 451-9033.