DoD Identifies Marine Casualties
April 12, 2004

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

Pfc. Eric A. Ayon, 26, of Arleta, Calif., died April 9 from hostile fire in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Lance Cpl. Chance R. Phelps, 19, of Clifton, Colo., died April 9 from hostile fire in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Lance Cpl. John T. Sims Jr., 21, of Alexander City, Ala., died April 10 from hostile fire in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

For further information related to this release, contact the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office at (760) 725-5044.