Cpl. Christopher Leon, a 2004 Lancaster High School graduate, died Tuesday from wounds suffered in combat, Marine officials said.

In keeping with Marine Corps policy, officials did not specify how or when Leon was wounded other than to say it happened in Iraq's western al-Anbar province, which contains the Sunni Triangle insurgency hot spots of Fallujah and Ramadi.

Leon had been serving with the 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, based in Okinawa, a unit that directs aircraft and artillery gunfire against enemy targets.

Leon was remembered as a quiet, dependable, helpful teen at his school and at the pet store where he worked stocking shelves during high school and after graduation until he joined the Marines.

"He was a real nice guy, with a big smile," said Rosie Paez, Lancaster High School's receptionist.

Leon had worked about a year and a half at the Lancaster PetSmart store, quitting when he enlisted in the Marines, who have a recruiting office next door.

"I think he said he'd always wanted to join," said Laura Adkins, a PetSmart manager.

Adkins remembered Leon as a hard-working and dependable employee, who always helped customers carry purchases out to their cars.

"He was a really good associate," Adkins said.

Leon's mother had come into the store two or three weeks ago and told Adkins she was looking forward to her son's return from Iraq, Adkins said.

Leon was the third Marine from the Antelope Valley to die in Iraq, all in Al-Anbar province.