Louis G. Kim killed by small arms fire

WEST COVINA - Army Spc. Louis G. Kim, 19, of West Covina died Tuesday from wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire in Ramadi, Iraq, according to the Department of Defense.

Kim was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

West Covina Mayor Mike Touhey said Kim is the first West Covina resident killed in Iraq.

"It is a tragedy," said Touhey, who did not know Kim personally.

"I feel deeply for the family. My family and the city's hearts and prayers go out to them. Whatever we can do for them, we look forward to contacting them in the near future."

Touhey added that he would have staff change the city's Blue Star Video, a tribute to West Covina servicemen and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan that is aired at the beginning of each council meeting.

"We will be altering our video to make sure we honor this individual who gave his life," he said.

The city flag will be flown at half-staff for one week in honor of Kim, Touhey said.

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