Ryan L. Mayhan slain by sniper

A Marine from Hawthorne was killed while fighting in Iraq, state and federal officials announced Friday.

Lance Cpl. Ryan L. Mayhan, 25, died Dec. 21 in combat in Anbar province.

Mayhan was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1 Marine Expeditionary Force based at Twentynine Palms.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenneger on Friday ordered that flags already flown at half-staff in memory of President Ford also be flown in Mayhan's memory.

"Maria and I join with all Californians in mourning and honoring Lance Cpl. Mayhan," Schwarzenegger said. "Ryan faithfully served our nation with unsurpassed courage. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as they mourn his loss."

Mayhan's parents live in Rialto. They did not respond to telephone messages. His brother declined an interview request.

From the Daily Breeze