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

Sgt. Benjamin K. Smith, 24, of Carterville, Ill., died Sept. 22 due to enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Smith was assigned to 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif.

For further information related to this Marine contact the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms Public Affairs Office at (760) 830-6213.