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

Lance Cpl. Erick J. Hodges, 21, of Bay Point, Calif., died Nov. 10 as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

For further information on this Marine, contact the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office at (760) 725-5044.