INDIANAPOLIS, IN, USA U.S. Marines PFC, G CO, 2D BN, 4TH MAR, 1ST MAR DIV. CAMP PENDLETON, CA AL ANBAR, IRAQ 04/06/2004
Deryk Lyell Hallal was born on August 29, 1979 in Indiana. He graduated from North Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was considered an all American kid by nearly everyone who knew him. He loved sports, especially basketball and enjoyed playing video games.
After graduation, Deryk studied computer programming at Professional Careers Institute. He also modeled occasionally, taking advantage of the 6 for 5 inch frame he had used as a wide receiver in high school but his dream was to be a sports agent.
Deryk enjoyed playing big brother to his two sisters and two brothers, who range in age from 3 to 19. When he came home on leave from California around Christmas, his 3-year-old sister Alaia would lay down next to him to chat. He loved his baby sister. He said that when he had his first child he hoped it was a girl, and he was going to name her Alaia.
Deryk was a big jokester who often performed impressions of Ross Perot, John Kerry, and George W. Bush.
His family knew the Lord would protect him unless he had a better purpose because he’s a Christian and we knew he loved the Lord, we knew he respected President Bush and wanted to fight for our country and the freedom of others. Deryk was considered a role model, demonstrating through his daily actions his belief in his country and his President. Deryk thought the mission in Iraq – freeing the Iraqi people – was a just goal and the right thing to do. He also demonstrated to those who knew him the strength that his faith provided him.
He joined the Marines in May of 2003 as a rifleman. He told his family he was glad to be in Iraq and wanted to give hope to the Iraqis.
Deryk received the following award – Rifle Sharpshooter Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Overseas Battle Medal and the War on Terrorism Medal.
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