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

Cpl. Jacob H. Neal, 23, of San Marcos, Texas, died Jan. 19 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Neal was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Lance Cpl. Luis J. Castillo, 20, of Lawton, Mich., died Jan. 20 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Castillo was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Lansing, Mich.

For further information related to this release, contact the Marine Forces Reserve public affairs office at (504) 678-4177.