BALTIMORE — He was a third-generation soldier who had only been in Iraq since July. Cpl. Bernard L. Ceo, 23, of Baltimore, was one of three soldiers from Maryland were killed in an accident in Iraq on Friday.

“He felt it was his duty to go,” said Albert Ceo, Bernard’s uncle, who said a strong family history of soldiers led his nephew to entering the Army National Guard. “He always said somebody has to go in to protect this country.”

Bernard’s grandfather, father and some uncles have served in wars dating back to World War II, Albert Ceo said.

His grandmother, Isolene Ceo, described him as “just a regular fellow,” who loved to help people, especially children. He also served as a mentor for troubled kids at a youth institute, she said.

“He would probably just like to be remembered as someone who loved this country,”...