The Department of Defense has identified 3,098 American service members who have died since the start of the Iraq war. It confirmed the deaths of the following Americans yesterday:

ELLIS, Joseph J., 40, Sgt. Maj., Marines; Ashland, Ohio; 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, First Marine Expeditionary Force.

MINJARES, Gilbert Jr., 31, Petty Officer First Class, Navy; El Paso; Marine Aircraft Group 14, Second Marine Aircraft Wing.

RUIZ, Manuel A., 21, Petty Officer Third Class, Navy; Federalsburg, Md.; Second Medical Battalion, Second Marine Logistics Group, Second Marine Expeditionary Force.