The Department of Defense has identified 3,131 American service members who have died since the start of the Iraq war. It confirmed the deaths of the following Americans yesterday:

APUAN, Matthew S., 27, Sgt., Army; Las Cruces, N.M.; First Cavalry Division.

COLON, Pedro J., 25, Sgt., Army; Cicero, Ill.; First Cavalry Division.

MARSH, Chad E., 20, Pfc., Army; Wichita, Kan.; First Infantry Division.

McARN, Montrel S., 21, Specialist, Army; Raeford, N.C.; First Cavalry Division.

PATON, Justin T., 24, Pfc., Army; Alanson, Mich.; First Cavalry Division.

SPILLERS, William C., 39, Sgt. First Class, Army; Terry, Miss.; 230th Finance Detachment.