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

Sgt. Christopher T. Heflin, 26, of Paducah, Ky.

Lance Cpl. Louis W. Qualls, 20, of Temple, Texas.

Both Marines died Nov. 16 as result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Heflin was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. Qualls was assigned to the Marine Corps Reserve,s 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Grand Prairie, Texas.

For further information on Heflin contact the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office at (760) 725-5044. For more information on Qualls contact the Inspector/Instructor Staff, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, Grand Prairie, Texas, at (972) 343-4300 extension 249, and after hours at (469) 853-8422.