The Department of Defense has identified 2,991 American service members who have died since the start of the Iraq war. It confirmed the deaths of the following Americans yesterday:

AYALA, Luis G., 21, Specialist, Army; South Gate, Calif.; First Cavalry Division.

BLOHM, Alan R., 21, Pfc., Army; Kenai, Alaska; 25th Infantry Division.

SCHILLER, Jonathan E., 20, Cpl., Army; Ottumwa, Iowa; First Cavalry Division.

SMITH, Richard A., 20, Specialist, Army; Grand Prairie, Tex.; First Cavalry Division.

SULLIVAN, John M., 22, Sgt., Army; Hixson, Tenn.; Second Infantry Division.