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

Pfc. Stephen P. Baldwyn, 19, of Saltillo, Miss.

Lance Cpl. Taylor B. Prazynski, 20, of Fairfield, Ohio

Both Marines died May 9. Baldwyn died as a result of wounds received from an explosion while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Nasser Wa Salaam, Iraq. Prazynski died from an explosion while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Karmah, Iraq.

Both Marines were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Media with questions about these Marines can call the 2nd Marine Division Public Affairs Office at (910) 451-9033.