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

Cpl. Nicholas P. Rapavi, 22, of Springfield, Va., died Nov. 24 from wounds sustained while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Cpl. Michael C. Ledsome, 24, of Austin, Texas, died Nov. 25 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Lance Cpl. Jeromy D. West, 20, of Aguanga, Calif., died Nov. 25 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

Media with questions about Rapavi and Ledsome can call the 2nd Marine Division public affairs office at (910) 451-9033.

Media with questions about West can call the Hawaii public affairs office at (808) 257-8870.