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

Pfc. Brian K. Cutter, 19, of Riverside, Calif., was found unconscious on May 13, and was later pronounced dead in Al Asad, Iraq. Cause of death is under investigation. He was assigned to 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Pfc. Brandon C. Sturdy, 19, of Urbandale, Iowa, died May 13 from hostile fire in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

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