DoD Identifies Marine Casualty
December 21, 2005

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Samuel Tapia, 20, of San Benito, Texas, died Dec. 18 from small-arms fire while conducting combat operations in Ar Ramadi,Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms,Calif. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

Media with questions about this Marine can call the Twentynine Palms Public Affairs Office at (760) 830-6213/5472.