DoD Identifies Marine Casualties
August 31, 2004

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

Pfc. Nicholas M. Skinner, 20, of Davenport, Iowa, died Aug. 26 from injuries received due to enemy action in An Najaf, Iraq. Skinner was assigned to Battalion Landing Team 1/4, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Lance Cpl. Nickalous N. Aldrich, 21, of Austin, Texas, died Aug. 27 from a non-hostile vehicle accident in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Aldrich was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Sgt. Edgar E. Lopez, 27, of Los Angeles, Calif., died Aug. 28 due to enemy action in Babil Province, Iraq. Lopez was assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

For further information related to Pfc. Skinner or Lance Cpl. Aldrich, contact the Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office at (760) 725-5044. For further information related to Sgt. Lopez, call the 2nd Marine Division Public Affairs Officer at Camp Lejeune, N.C. at (910) 451-9033.