DoD Identifies Marine Casualties
November 13, 2004

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

2nd Lt. James P. Blecksmith, 24, of San Marino, Calif.

Lance Cpl. Kyle W. Burns, 20, of Laramie, Wyo.

Both Marines died Nov. 11 as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Blecksmith was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Burns was assigned to 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

For further information on these Marines contact the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office at (760) 725-5044.