DoD Identifies Marine Casualties
May 23, 2006

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

Sgt. David R. Christoff, 25, of Rossford, Ohio

Lance Cpl. William J. Leusink, 21, of Maurice, Iowa

Lance Cpl. Benito A. Ramirez, 21, of Edinburg, Texas

Ramirez died May 21, while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Christoff and Leusink both died May 22, from wounds received while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Anbar province, Iraq. They were both assigned to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

Media with questions about Ramirez can call the Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office at (760) 725-5044. Media with questions about Christoff and Leusink can call the Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay Public Affairs Office at (808) 257-8870.