Alfred Izuruha, known as Al, was an eleven-year-old boy living in the neutral Side 6 colony of Ribo during the final months of UC 0079's One Year War. Born UC 0068, he lived with his parents, Michiko and Ems Izuruha. Ems's job with the Earth Federation kept him frequently away, creating distance from his son. A fifth-grade student, Alfred earned poor grades like C- in science and D+ in math, reflecting his disinterest in school. He often got into mischief with friends Chay and Telcott, sharing a fascination with military gear and mobile suit combat. Photography and video recording were his hobbies. Alfred was also a compulsive liar.

Sheltered in neutrality, Alfred developed a romanticized view of war, idolizing Zeon's Zaku II mobile suits. He collected battlefield souvenirs and traded exaggerated war stories with classmates, often challenged by Dorothy Hayes. His perspective shifted dramatically when he encountered Bernard "Bernie" Wiseman, a rookie Zeon pilot whose damaged Zaku II Kai crashed in Ribo after a skirmish. Alfred initiated contact, trading photos he took of a Federation cargo for Bernie's Zeon badge. He later frequently visited the damaged Zaku, exploring its cockpit.

Bernie returned as part of the Cyclops Team on Operation Rubicon, tasked with destroying the Federation's Gundam NT-1 "Alex". Alfred tried to follow their trucks but was struck by team member Gabriel Ramirez Garcia. In retaliation, Alfred reported the team to the police. When Garcia threatened an officer, Alfred intervened, claiming Bernie was his "long lost brother." Cyclops leader Hardie Steiner questioned Alfred, discovering his prior photography of the Federation project and desire to join the war. Steiner made Alfred an honorary team member, assigning Bernie to monitor him. Alfred further protected Bernie by introducing him to neighbor Christina Mackenzie as a stepbrother, unaware Christina was the Alex's test pilot. Alfred assisted Bernie in infiltrating a Federation facility to photograph the Alex.

During Operation Rubicon, Alfred witnessed the Kampfer's assault, which caused significant civilian casualties as stray fire damaged buildings and infrastructure, including his school. This exposure to war's brutality began altering his perception. After the operation failed, a wounded Bernie revealed Zeon's plan to nuclear-strike the colony unless the Alex was destroyed by Christmas Day. Alfred reacted angrily when Bernie initially chose to flee, accusing him of cowardice. Alfred's subsequent attempt to warn police about the nuclear threat failed due to his earlier deception about Bernie.

Bernie ultimately returned to confront the Alex. Alfred helped repair his Zaku and set defensive traps. Bernie entrusted Alfred with a recorded message to view only upon his death. On the battle day, Alfred learned Federation forces had intercepted Zeon's nuclear-armed fleet, making Bernie's mission unnecessary. Rushing to the site, he witnessed the Alex destroy Bernie's Zaku, killing him instantly. Alfred then recognized the injured Alex pilot as Christina. After the battle, Bernie's message urged Alfred not to hate Christina or the Federation, emphasizing their belief in their cause. When Christina later asked Alfred to bid farewell to Bernie, he concealed Bernie's death, stating Bernie would "be sorry he missed her." At school, during an assembly addressing war's costs, Alfred wept uncontrollably. His friends, misinterpreting his grief, suggested future wars would bring "cooler" mobile suits, highlighting Alfred's irreversible transformation from a war-enthusiastic child to someone burdened by its tragic realities.