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

Lance Cpl. Timothy M. Bell Jr., 22, of West Chesterfield, Ohio

Lance Cpl. Eric J. Bernholtz, 23, of Grove City, Ohio

Lance Cpl. Nicholas William B. Bloem, 20, of Belgrade, Mont.

Sgt. Bradley J. Harper, 25, of Dresden, Ohio

Sgt. Justin F. Hoffman, 27, of Delaware, Ohio

Cpl. David Kenneth J. Kreuter, 26, of Cincinnati, Ohio

Cpl. David S. Stewart, 24, of Bogalusa, La.

All died August 3 when their Amphibious Assault Vehicle was attacked by an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations south of Haditha, Iraq. Bloem was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Billings, Mont. Harper was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Norfolk, Va. Stewart was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Gulfport, Miss. The other four Marines were assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division,Columbus, Ohio. As part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, they all were attached to Regimental Combat Team 2, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

Media with questions about these Marines can call the Marine Forces Reserve Public Affairs Office at (504) 678-4178.