"U.S. Marine Security Guard Fatally Stricken While Serving in Congo Embassy"

Lance Cpl. Nicholas Maurice Dural, a 20-year-old Marine security guard from Lafayette, Louisiana, died while on duty at the U.S. embassy in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. The circumstances of his death on December 19 have not been disclosed. Nicholas was remembered by his family for his strong character, leadership, and desire to protect others, as demonstrated by his actions during an incident at a Chick-fil-A in Virginia earlier in the year. His commitment to service was evident in his role as a Marine embassy security guard, his academic pursuits, and his organization of the embassy's Marine Corps birthday ball.