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

Lance Cpl. Jeffery S. Blanton, 23, of Fayetteville, Ga., died Dec. 12 as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 3^rd Marine Regiment, 3^rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

News media with questions about this Marine can call the Marine Corps Base, Hawaii, Public Affairs Office at (808) 257-8840 or (808) 257-8839.