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

Lance Cpl. Budd M. Cote, 21, of Marana, Ariz.

Cpl. Matthew V. Dillon, 25, of Aiken, S.C.

Lance Cpl. Clinton J. Miller, 23, of Greenfield, Iowa

All three Marines died Dec. 11 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. They were assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, Marine Wing Support Group 37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.

Media with questions about these Marines can call the Miramar public affairs office at (858) 577-6000.