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

Lance Cpl. Michael L. Ford, 19, of New Bedford, Mass., died April 26 while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Media with questions about this Marine can call the Twentynine Palms Public Affairs Office at (760) 830-5476.