Military

            The Department of Defense announced today the death of three Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

            Cpl. John M. Longoria, 21, of Nixon, Texas, died Nov. 14 of wounds sustained from small arms fire while conducting combat operations against enemy forces during Operation Steel Curtain in New Ubaydi, Iraq. 

            Maj. Ramon J. Mendoza Jr., 37, of Columbus, Ohio, and Lance Cpl. Christopher M. McCrackin, 20, of Liverpool, Texas, both died Nov. 14 from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces during Operation Steel Curtain in New Ubaydi, Iraq.

            All three Marines were assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2^nd Battalion, 1^st Marine Regiment, 13^th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.  During Operation Iraqi Freedom, their unit was attached to 2^nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

            Media with questions about these Marines can call the Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office at (760) 725-5044.