LOS ANGELES, CA, USA U.S. Marines LCPL, L CO, 3D BN, 5TH MAR, RCT-1, 1ST MAR DIV, CAMP PENDLETON, CA FALLUJAH, IRAQ 11/13/2004
Lance Corporal Victor Ronald Huyen Lu L, 22-years-old, was a rifleman assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force based at Camp Pendleton, San Diego. Lu was killed in action on Nov. 13, 2004 in Al Anbar Province of Iraq, while engaged with the enemy.
This was Victor’s second deployment; the first time was back in June-Sept 2003. Lu joined the Marine Corps on December 17, 2002 and graduated on March 14, 2003. Victor’s personal awards include the Purple Heart, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and National Defense Service Medal.
His family laid LCpl Victor R. Lu 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 States 23 years ago, and his father Xoung Lu served as a South Vietnamese soldier fighting along the Americans.
Victor attended Aldama Elementary and Gates Street Elementary School in Los Angeles. He also attended Nightingale Junior High School. Victor was very proud of himself when he graduated from Bravo Medical High School in Los Angeles in June 2000. He attended the local Pasadena City College for about two years before he found his calling to serve his country and its people as a United States Marine.
Victor had a loving spirit, shy charisma, and compassion that made all of us love and long for his presence. Victor exhibited his gentle compassion and integrity, along with his enthusiasm for life, by always sharing his laughter and giggles with us. He always reminded us of the simple things in life and the rewards that we get from just living one day at a time. Victor was very adventuresome in life and his curious nature propelled him to search for all the unknowns of the world, always looking for new things to do. Victor always protected his friends and made friends because he was always looking after those who got bullied. He saw himself as a protector of the people and this belief led Victor to his life’s dream of becoming a soldier and law enforcement officer when he grew up.
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, because it was his compassion and love for people and the influence that his parents had on him that compelled him to serve others.
Victor was also part of the local Chinese lion dance committee, where he had performed in community events and festivals. Victor participated in Marital Arts as early as grade school. He 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 to protect and defend others.
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 as 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.