Randal A. Ruiz, Plaintiff-appellant, v. California Department of Corrections; California Youthauthority; Los Angeles Sheriff's Department; Tonya Bowers,s.o.,; Mr. Leffal, A.c.o.s.; Cathy Mayfield, Parole Agent;mr. Marusich, T.t.s.; Mr. Smith, Program Admin. (y.t.s.);deputy Quin, M.c.u. (i.a.s.d.); Mrs. Muir, Parole Agent,c.y.a. in Covina, Ca; Fire Captain Dennis, Camp 31; Waltdaly, V.o.a. Orange, Defendants-appellees, 116 F.3d 485 (9th Cir. 1997)

Appeal from the United States District Court for the Central District of California, No. 95-56781; Ronald S.W. Lew, District Judge, Presiding.

Before FLETCHER, REINHARDT, and FERNANDEZ, Circuit Judges.

MEMORANDUM^* 

California state prisoner Randal A. Ruiz appeals pro se the district court's dismissal without prejudice for failure to serve his 42 U.S.C. § 1983 complaint upon defendants within 120 days. We have jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1291. We review a dismissal for failure to serve defendants pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 4 for abuse of discretion. See Puett v. Blandford, 912 F.2d 270, 273 (9th Cir. 1990).

A plaintiff proceeding in forma pauperis may request the district court to order a United States marshal to serve the summons and complaint. See Boudette v. Barnette, 923 F.2d 754, 757 (9th Cir. 1991). Ruiz sent his request to the district judge, who apparently did not direct the United States marshal to effect service. Accordingly, we reverse and remand to the district court for issuance of an order to the marshal.

REVERSED and REMANDED.