Santa Clara University

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Honored to serve

Capt. Kyle Lewis receives a Purple Heart from Brigadier General Williams at Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Kyle Lewis ’94, J.D. ’98 worked for a high-powered law firm after earning a law degree from Santa Clara. But he was eager for “something more,” so he left the firm and joined the United States Marine Corps in 2000. He is now a decorated soldier.

After being deployed to Iraq in early 2004, Lewis became the second Marine Corps Judge Advocate injured in combat since the Vietnam War. On April 14, 2004, insurgents attacked Lewis’ convoy. After finding the enemy and firing back to protect his fellow Marines and to defend himself, Lewis came under heavy fire.

One bullet entered Lewis’ left triceps and lodged in his biceps. He now has a half-inch wide scar from his biceps to his wrist. He also has two scars on his left leg from bullet wounds.

Thirty-eight staples in his arm, eight stitches in his leg, and five medical procedures later, Lewis continues his recovery while working as a lawyer at Camp Pendleton near San Diego.

For his service and bravery, Lewis has won a Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, the Global War on Terror Expedition Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Medal.

When asked about the current situation in Iraq, Lewis expresses optimism.

“It’s going to take some time and it’s definitely going to be a better place,” he says.

—McCall Cameron ’95

Note: This profile was reprinted from the February 2005 issue of Santa Clara Magazine.