Navy Club of the USA - Ship 35

A Shining Star
Statehouse ceremony honors slain Marine
By Greg Hafkin

Symbol of bravery: Staff Sgt. Damien Rodriguez (left) embraces Pam Hallal, whose son Marine Pfc. Deryk Hallal, 24, Indianapolis, was posthumously awarded a Bronze Star for his actions during his final firefight in Iraq. Jared Hallal, 9, (right) got a close look at his brother's medal after the ceremony at the Statehouse on Monday. - Frank Espich / The Star

Nearly two years after an Indianapolis Marine died during a street battle in Iraq, the military presented his Bronze Star to his family during a ceremony Monday at the Statehouse.

Pfc. Deryk Hallal was 24 when his squad was ambushed in Ramadi, in the violent Sunni Triangle about 60 miles west of Baghdad. Some of his military colleagues and superiors came to Indiana to pay tribute to him.

"The guy's getting honored for what he deserves," said Peter Flom, Stillwater, Minn., who was Hallal's roommate. "He deserves more than this, but it's good they're finally doing this."

Flom, the squad's radio operator, said they were walking down a street on the way to reinforcing another squad that was under attack when they were ambushed. The squad split up, with Hallal's group about a block away from Flom.

Hallal shot and killed three insurgents, his medal citation said. But the attackers pressed on.

"Deryk kept returning fire, even though he was wounded," said Cpl. Joseph Hayes, Bakersfield, Calif. "He kept doing his job. "

Hallal later was felled by a second bullet.

"His valor and fearless actions undoubtedly saved lives and inspired the Marines to press the attack," Capt. Christopher Bronzi, Poughquag, N.Y., read from Hallal's citation.

Bronzi also thanked Hallal's parents, Pam and Jeff, for instilling in their son the values that led him to enlist in the military.

"Hallal is one of only 12 Marines in the country with the rank of private first class to receive a Bronze Star medal for service in Iraq, said state Rep. Scott Reske, D-Pendleton, who sponsored a resolution memorializing Hallal.

The Indiana General Assembly honored parents of service members last session, although it is more unusual for lawmakers to honor an individual soldier.
Immediately after the ceremony, the House unanimously approved the resolution memorializing Hallal. Lawmakers then voted 94-0 to approve Senate Bill 75 -- to create a relief fund for families of Hoosier service members called into active duty after Sept. 11, 2001.

For Pam Hallal, the ceremony was an emotional reminder of her son's sacrifice.
"I've always been proud of him," she said. "I've never been more proud of him than today."

Navy Club of USS Indianapolis Ship 35 announces the PFC Deryk Hallal USMC Memorial Scholarship

PFC Hallal was Killed in Action April 5, 2004 in al-Anbar province in western Iraq. He was a rifleman with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, based at Camp Pendleton, Calif. He joined the Marines last May, just months after the conflict with Iraq began. His father Jeff Hallal is a member of Ship 35 USS Indianapolis Navy Club USA.

In honor of his heroism and his desire to serve his country with pride and distinction, PFC Hallal stands as a stirring example of the spirit of this great country. His devotion to duty, to his parents, to his God and to the United States led him to make the decision to enlist in a time of conflict to send a message of hope to others. His desire to reach out to the world with a hand of friendship and hope is a testimonial to this exceptional young man.

Therefore the Navy Club of Indianapolis, Ship 35 is pleased to announce the PFC Deryk Hallal Memorial Scholarship. The recipient of the scholarship will be selected annually by a committee made up of the leadership from the Navy Club, the parents of PFC Hallal, representatives of Crown Hill Cemetery and others selected to serve each year. The final criteria for the recipient is yet to be announced but the goal is to increase awareness and support of the US Military on which Deryk so proudly served.

Donations can be made to the scholarship fund through Union Federal in Indianapolis. Further inquiries can be made by contacting the Ship 35 office as listed on their web site www.ship35ncusa.org