A Marine from Hawai'i serving with a California-based unit was killed this week in Iraq by an improvised explosive device, the Pentagon said yesterday.

Sgt. Daniel A. Tsue, 27, of Moanalua, was killed Tuesday near Ar Ramadi, Iraq, when a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle. A sailor assigned to the unit also died in the blast.

Tsue was a 1996 graduate of Kahuku High School.

His father and his uncle declined comment yesterday.

U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie released a statement yesterday hailing Tsue as "one of America's finest."

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Sergeant Tsue," said Abercrombie. "As a member of our island 'ohana, his death hits home especially hard."

Tsue was an explosive ordnance disposal technician assigned to the 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force from Camp Pendleton, Calif. While serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom, the unit was attached to the 2nd Force Service Support Group, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

Tsue joined the Marines in December 1998.

His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon and the Marine Security Guard Ribbon.

Reach Mike Gordon at mgordon@honoluluadvertiser.com.