The Department of Defense has identified 3,854 American service members who have died since the start of the Iraq war. It confirmed the deaths of the following Americans this week::

KRUSE, Christopher R., 23, Sgt., Army; Emporia, Kan.; Second Infantry Division.

MASON, Casey P., 22, Pfc., Army; Lake, Mich.; 728th Military Police Battalion, Eighth Military Police Brigade, Eighth Theater Sustainment Command.

SCHMIDT, Peter W., 30, Cpl., Army; Eureka, Calif.; Second Infantry Division.