Marine Lance Cpl. Victor R. Lu

Died November 13, 2004 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom

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22, of Los Angeles; assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.; killed Nov. 13 by enemy action in Anbar province, Iraq.

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Family provides biography of fallen Marine

Lance Cpl. Victor Ronald Huyen Lu joined the Marine Corps on Dec. 17, 2002, and graduated on March 14, 2003. His personal awards include the Purple Heart, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the National Defense Service Medal.

Lu’s family laid him to eternal rest on Nov. 26, 2004, at the Los Angeles National Cemetery in Westwood, California. Victor leaves behind his parents, four sisters and one brother.

Victor’s parents immigrated to the United States 23 years ago, and his father, Xoung Lu, served as a South Vietnamese soldier fighting alongside the Americans during the Vietnam War. Xoung, Victor’s father, has said that “Only someone very brave could do what he did.”

Victor had a loving spirit, shy charisma and compassion that made all of us love him —and now long for his existence. Victor exhibited his gentle compassion and integrity with his enthusiasm for life, and by always sharing his laughter and giggles with us. He always reminds us of the simple things in life and the rewards that we get from just living one day at a time.

Victor has always been active in serving the community. It was not a question of how to serve his community, instead it was always a question of when and what he could do for others by offering his time, energy, and strength in supporting his community and friends. Victor did not see it as an obligation to help others, rather it was his compassion and love for people — and the influence his parents had on him — that compelled him to serve others.

Victor also was part of the local Chinese Lion Dance Committee, and had performed at community events and festivals. Victor participated in marital arts as early as grade school. He had attained the black belt in Chinese Ju Si Tang Kung Fu by the age of 17. Mastering the marital art techniques served Victor well when he became a U.S. Marine.

He enjoyed the challenge and adventure that military life gave him, with opportunities to travel and see the world. He saw being a Marine not just as a career choice, but a lifestyle that came with the responsibility to protect and serve this great country and its people. He fought courageously on the frontline to bring freedom and peace to others.

We are extremely proud of our son and brother for the courage and patriotism that he demonstrated.

We will not forget what you stand for and the sacrifice you made for all of us. Victor, we love you and miss you. Until we meet again

— The Lu Family