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

Cpl. Ronald R. Payne Jr., 23, of Lakeland, Fla., died May 7th due to hostile action in the vicinity of Tawara, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

For further information related to this release, contact Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Public Affairs Office at (910) 526-9699.