United States Department of Defense

The Department of Defense announced today the death of 10 Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Daniel J. Clay, 27, of Pensacola, Fla.

Lance Cpl. John M. Holmason, 20, of Suprise, Ariz.

Lance Cpl. David A. Huhn, 24, of Portland, Mich.

Lance Cpl. Adam W. Kaiser, 19, of Naperville, Ill.

Lance Cpl. Robert A. Martinez, 20, of Splendora, Texas

Cpl. Anthony T. McElveen, 20, of Little Falls, Minn.

Lance Cpl. Scott T. Modeen, 24, of Hennepin, Minn.

Lance Cpl. Andrew G. Patten, 19, of Byron, Ill.

Sgt. Andy A. Stevens, 29, of Tomah, Wis.

Lance Cpl. Craig N. Watson, 21, of Union City, Mich.

All 10 Marines died Dec. 1 from an improvised explosive device outside Fallujah, Iraq.The Marines were inside an abandoned flour factory being used as a patrol base when the IED detonated. All 10 Marines were assigned to the 2^nd Battalion, 7^th Marine Regiment, 1^st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, their unit was attached to the 2^nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

Media with questions about these Marines can call the Twentynine Palms Public Affairs Office at 760-830-6213.