Casualties

Condolences to the families and friends of the following Americans who lost their lives while in the pursuit of gaining freedom for others.

Release #: 448-05
May 9, 2005

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

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

Sgt. Aaron N. Cepeda Sr., 22, San Antonio, Texas

Lance Cpl. Lance T. Graham, 26, San Antonio, Texas

Lance Cpl. Michael V. Postal, 21, Glen Oaks, N.Y.

All died May 7 from explosions as a result of enemy action while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.

Cepeda and Graham were assigned to Marine Forces Reserve’s 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, San Antonio, Texas. As part of Operation Iraqi Freedom their unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

Postal was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Media with questions about Cepeda and Graham can call the Marine Forces Reserve Public Affairs Office at (504) 678-4178. Media with questions about Postal can call the 2nd Marine Division Public Affairs Office at (910) 451-9033.



Release #: 449-05
May 9, 2005

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

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

Lance Cpl. Lawrence R. Philippon, 22, of Hartford, Conn., died May 8 from enemy small-arms fire while conducting combat operations in the vicinity of Al Qa’im, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

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



Release #: 450-05
May 9, 2005

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

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

Cpl. Dustin A. Derga, 24, of Columbus, Ohio, died May 8 as the result of enemy small arms fire while conducting combat operations in Ubaydi, Iraq.

Sgt. Michael A. Marzano, 28, of Greenville, Pa., died May 7 as the result of an explosion caused by suicide vehicle borne improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations in Hadithah, Iraq.

Both Marines were assigned to Marine Forces Reserve’s 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division. Marzano’s company is based in Phoenix, Ariz., and Derga’s company is based Columbus, Ohio. As part of Operation Iraqi Freedom their unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

Media with questions about these Marines can call the Marine Forces Reserve Public Affairs Office at (504) 678-4178.


Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.

Fallen Heros