John T. Olson

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill. — A Marine killed in hostile action in Iraq was on his third tour of duty there, and while proud of his service, was ready to come home, a family friend said Tuesday.

Cpl. John T. Olson, 21, was killed Monday in hostile action in Iraq’s Anbar province, the U.S. Defense Department said Tuesday. He was assigned to Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force based at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Family friend Marla White described Olson, a graduate of Elk Grove Village High School, as an engaging man who was close to his father, mother and 16-year-old sister.

“He wasn’t a big guy, but he was a tough little cookie,” she said. “And he had the most beautiful smile. He really lit up a room.”

White, who lives across the street in this Chicago suburb from Olson’s parents, John and Diana Olson, said the...