LCpl. Victor R. Lu, U.S.M.C. (KIA)

Los Angeles Marine killed in Iraq

LOS ANGELES - Marine Lance Cpl. Victor R. Lu followed in his father's footsteps when he joined the military two years ago.

His father had served in the South Vietnamese Army in the 1960s and 1970s during the war before immigrating to the United States.

"He listened to my stories," said Xuong Lu, 65. "I think he wanted to do what I had done."

Victor Lu was killed Nov. 13 in Iraq after taking fire during the U.S.-led campaign to secure the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah. The 22-year-old rifleman was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force based at Camp Pendleton.

Born in Los Angeles, Lu was raised in the Lincoln Heights area and graduated from Bravo High School in 2000. A dedicated athlete, he earned a black belt in martial arts.

He later studied criminal law at Pasadena City College and wanted to become a police officer after serving in the military.

"He looked at all the services, and he liked the Marine Corps best," said his sister, Nancy, 30. "The discipline. The training. He loved it all. He wanted to serve, to protect his country."

After his first tour in Iraq, he was deployed again in September.

"Only someone very brave could do what he did," his father said.

Victor Lu's personal awards include the Purple Heart, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and National Defense Service Medal.

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