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

Lance Cpl. Eric Hillenburg, 21, of Marion, Ind.

Lance Cpl. James R. Phillips, 21, of Hillsboro, Fla.

Cpl. Raleigh C. Smith, 21, of Lincoln, Mont.

All three Marines died Dec. 23 as result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. They were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.

News media with questions about these Marines can contact the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office at (760) 725-5044.