Military

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

               Lance Cpl. Samuel Tapia, 20, of San Benito, Texas, died Dec. 18 from small-arms fire while conducting combat operations in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. He was assigned to 3^rd Battalion, 7^th Marine Regiment, 1^st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, >Calif. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit was attached to 2^nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). 

                Media with questions about this Marine can call the Twentynine Palms Public Affairs Office at (760) 830-6213/5472.