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

Cpl. Joshua M. Schmitz, 21, of Spencer, Wis.

Lance Cpl. William C. Koprince Jr., 24, of Lenoir City, Tenn.

Schmitz died December 26 and Koprince on December 27 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Both Marines were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

For further information in regard to these Marines the media can contact the 2nd Marine Division public affairs office at (910) 450-6575.