Whittier Daily News -- WHITTIER - Following in the footsteps of his maternal grandfather, Daniel S. Noble joined the Navy on Oct. 4, 2005.

The young Whittier man remembered by family and friends for his sense of humor and kindness was killed Tuesday while conducting security operations in the Dilaya Province, Iraq, the Department of Defense announced Wednesday.

Noble, 21, a La Mirada High School graduate, was serving as a medic with the 1st Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force Pacific out of Camp Pendleton.

He is at least the seventh area serviceman to perish in Iraq.

"He will be missed by everyone who loved him," said Kelly Thomas, Noble's uncle.

Thomas remembered his nephew as having the wisdom of someone twice his age and said the young man was not concerned about joining the Navy at the height of conflict in Iraq.

"He just thought about helping people," Thomas said. "He had a true spirit of giving."

Thomas said Noble enlisted because he was inspired by his grandfather, Bill Thomas, who had served in the Navy.

Lt. Cindy Moore, Navy spokeswoman, said Noble was "specifically trained to treat wounded or sick Marines and sailors."

People in his neighborhood in the 15000 block

of Saranac Drive in Whittier offered their sympathies to Noble's family on Wednesday.

"He was just a very nice young man," said neighbor Phyllis Reese as she brought vegetables to the family from her garden.

She gave the bounty to Noble's mom, Julie. Reese also offered her condolences.

Others walked up to the Noble residence with cards in hand. One home two doors down had its American flag flying at half-staff.

A memorial service is being planned for Noble at Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary in Whittier. He is survived by his mother, Julie; his father, Barry; a brother and sister; and other relatives.

Other family members declined comment Wednesday.