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

Maj. Ricardo A. Crocker, 39, of Mission Viejo, Calif., died May 26 from a rocket propelled grenade explosion while conducting combat operations in Hadithah, Iraq. Crocker was assigned to the Marine Forces Reserve's 3rd Civil Affairs Group, Camp Pendleton, Calif. During Operation Iraqi Freedom his unit was attached to II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

Media with questions about this Marine can call the Marine Forces Reserve Public Affairs Office at (504) 678-4178.