Pfc. Deryk L. Hallal joined the Marine Corps in May 2003. Stationed at Camp Pendleton, Calif., he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force.  He arrived in Iraq in February 2004.

 On April 6, 2004, the Marines were engaged by the enemy in Al Anbar Province, just west of Baghdad.  According to his Bronze Star with Valor citation, “Pfc. Hallal fearlessly moved as the Point man for the squad as the insurgents launched a major offensive against the Marines in the provincial capital.  During the initial engagement, he was caught in the open, exposed and under intense enemy rocket-propelled grenade, machine gun, and small arms fire.  He unhesitatingly returned accurate fire, immediately eliminating three insurgents and allowing the squad to position themselves for an assault against the enemy strongpoint.  Ordered to clear an enemy emplacement, he courageously led the attack, moving through difficult urban terrain while constantly under intense enemy fire.”  Deryk received gunshots in both the right and left thigh fracturing his left femur bone rendering him unable to move on his own.  “Pfc Hallal continued to fire on the enemy as the other Marines attempted to move him to a covered position.  He continued encouraging his squad mates and engaging the enemy until he was fatally struck by an enemy round.  His valor and fearless actions undoubtedly saved lives and inspired the Marines to press the attack.”

 Capt. Christopher Bronzi thanked Hallal’s parents before presenting them with the medal.  “The citation doesn’t really do justice to the effect and the inspiration that Deryk provided to his fellow Marines,” Bronzi said.  “The caliber of individual and the caliber of citizen that they raised, the values they instilled, really showed during perhaps the most trying time that a man will ever face in his life.”

 A 1998 graduate of North Central High School in Indianapolis, Ind., Deryk Hallal was considered an “All-American kid” by most of the people who knew him.  He loved sports, especially basketball, and he enjoyed playing video games.  His former youth pastor, Steve DeWitt, said of Deryk, “He enjoyed life; he enjoyed the moment.  He was a real blessing to our lives.” 

 Deryk Hallal 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. 

Pam Hallal, Deryk’s mother, described her son as follows: “He was a fun-loving, wonderful child who brought me more joy in my life than I can say.” Pam is a contributing author of the books, “God Answers Prayers – Military Edition” (Harvest House Publishers 2005), and “God Allows U-Turns for Women –the choices we make change the story of our life” (published by Bethany House spring 2006). Her stories are about the brave and courageous decision made by her Marine son, Deryk, the effect of his death, testimony, and living legacy which has sustained her and inspired others to press on in the midst of adversity.