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May 03, 2008
Marine Sgt. Merlin German ~ "Miracle Man"~ Rest in peace, brave Marine
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Sergeant Merlin German (USMC) was born in Manhattan, New York on Nov. 15, 1985. He enlisted in the Marine Corps 08 September 2003 and received a meritorious promotion to Private First Class out of boot camp. in April 2004, Sergeant German transferred to his first permanent duty station, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division where he served as a Field Artillery Cannoneer.
Shortly after, Sergeant German was assigned to his unit, he was sent to Machinegunner's Course. Among the Corporals and Sergeants, he was the only Private First Class to attend the course. Sergeant German's outstanding leadership skills helped him to graduate second in his class.
In September 2004, Sergeant German's unit was attached to 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines and became part of Weapons Platoon for convoy security. His unit was charged with safely transporting prisoners and cargo, and Sgt. German participated in over 150 successful missions. Sergeant German's Platoon Sergeant and Company Commander applauded him for his keen sense of spotting improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
In the first six months of deployment, Sergeant German found 8 IEDs without anyone sustaining injuries. On 21 February 2005, Sergeant German's squad was on a mission to recon an unknown route from Jordan to Baghdad. While en route to Camp Ramadi, Sergeant German spotted an IED while standing in the turret at his Mk-19 machine gun. With no time to alert the driver, their HUMVEE was hit on a left side by a gas-fed shape charge explosive. Sergeant German was blown clear of the vehicle, and his fellow Marines helped extinguish the flames that had quickly burned 97% of his total body surface area.
NEW YORK
Marine Sgt. Merlin German, who became a symbol of resilience as he strove to recover from a roadside bomb blast in Iraq that blanketed 97 percent of his body with burns, has died, the Defense Department said.
German died April 11 at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, where he was continuing treatment for the injuries he suffered in combat on Feb. 22, 2005, the Pentagon said Thursday. He was 22.
A memorial service was held Friday evening at Woodlands High School in Hartsdale, N.Y., the school from which German graduated in 2003. In California, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that the state Capitol's flags would be flown at half-staff in German's honor, saying the sergeant's "courage and unfailing loyalty serve as an inspiration to Americans everywhere."
The former turret gunner was dubbed the "Miracle Man" for his determination in facing his wounds, which cost the former saxophone player his fingers and rippled his face with scars. He endured between 120 and 150 surgeries, spent 17 months in a hospital and had to learn to walk again.
Meanwhile, he started a charity, Merlin's Miracles, to aid child burn victims, and considered college and a career.
For more on the charity, visit MerlinsMiracles.com
"Sometimes I don't think I can't do it," he told The Associated Press last year. "Then I think: Why not? I can do whatever I want...Nobody has ever been 97 percent dead and survived, and lived to walk."
Born in Manhattan, German moved to New York City's northern suburbs as a teenager.
He enlisted in the Marine Corps in September 2003, according to his charity's Web site. He was medically retired four years later, the Defense Department said.
A llittle more from the San Antonio Express
Serving in the military is all that anyone can remember Merlin talking about wanting to do as he grew up.
"He always wanted to be in the military," remembers Jedd Chesterson, his best friend from high school.
He joined the Marines after graduating from high school. When he went home after boot camp, his brother Fred teased him that the Iraqi soldiers would take his rifle away from him. Merlin grabbed a broomstick and challenged his brother to try to take it away from him, which Fred quickly did.
Surprised, Merlin said, "They're not that strong in Iraq."
He got stronger. On Feb. 21, 2005, Merlin had been in Iraq for nine months and was two weeks away from coming home.
"He'd already bought his ticket," said his father, Hemery.
His Humvee hit a roadside improvised explosive device in Baghdad and he suffered burns over 97 percent of his body.
"Every part except the top of his scalp and the soles of his feet," said his sister Lawren.
Whenever he was hospitalized he'd go to the rooms of other wounded veterans to encourage them to keep going and getting better.
He designed a T-shirt that in the front read, "Got 3 percent chance of survival, what ya gonna do?" The back of it read, "A) Fight Through, b) Stay Strong, c) Overcome Because I Am a Warrior, d) All Of The Above." D is circled.
In October 2006, the artist Thomas Kinkade learned about Merlin and, impressed with his spirit, gave him a signed, limited edition of his painting, "Heading Home," which shows a soldier walking toward a light.
Two months later, at BAMC's Christmas Ball, Merlin, after weeks of agonizing practice with Guerra, surprised his mother by dancing with her to, "Have I Told You Lately."
Merlin was featured in USA Today as well as this and other newspapers and became a bit of a celebrity magnet, meeting, among others, President Bush and, most recently, Dennis Miller during the Final Four.
Wild Thing's comment........
This is so sad. He fought such a long battle to stay alive. We have lost another Hero but he will never be forgotten. Prayers for his family and loved ones. Rest in peace Marine Sgt. Merlin German.
It’s really too bad the names of these great Americans are not on the lips of more fellow citizens.
....Thank you Lynn for sending this to me.
Posted by Wild Thing at May 3, 2008 04:50 AM
Comments
"...Day is done...Gone the sun...From the hills...From the plains...From the sky...All is well...Safely rest...GOD is nigh..." - TAPS
Another hero murdered by an IRANIAN made IED? Hillary - this time is right - "OBLITERATE IRAN!"
Then get SYRIAous... Game over!
Posted by: darthcrUSAderworldtour07 at May 3, 2008 05:40 AM
When I first read this story, I cried. Being a Devil Pup, the Marines hold a soft spot in my heart.
Sgt German is what the Corps always was meant to be--determined, strong, warrior clan, kind and tough. Every Marine I ever met was one of the kindest persons I have ever met. They would give you the shirt off their back and $20 to boot! And who does Toys for Tots with the Hell's Angels every year?
These are the heroes children should be taught to look up to--more than movie stars and star athletes.
Sgt German is at rest. God knew he was needed in Heaven to teach the children there. Sgt German, God has blessed you and you are full and whole again. Semper Fi and Carry on.
Posted by: Lynn at May 3, 2008 07:22 AM
Oh I hate to lose Sgt German. What a hero.
I spent 4 months at Brook Army Medical Center. I was a patient on the neurological ward adjacent to the burn ward. Those burn patients went through painful hell. Dressing changes, skin grafts, physical therapy were all painful endurances for burn patients. Very long term care was the norm. Eventual succumbing to infection or lung/heart problems due to oxygen starvation was not unheard of. I would visit with some of those guys next door because they had such good attitudes and helped me realize my paralysis was not that bad a deal.
The burn ward was off limits to casual visiters and was always dim lighted. The horrendous sight of massive burns was more than many people could stomach and the docs did not want the burn patients to have to witness other people's revulsion while the patients were learning to cope with their disfigurements. All new visitors were briefed first by medics to make sure they could handle the sights.
San Antonio is a military town and visitors/volunteers to BAMC were numerous and great. They helped the burn patients and the rest of us patients get out and face the public with our various disabilities. When we went to town on our volunteer/Red Cross sponsored trips I always buddied with a burn patient to give them some moral support. I have very fond memories of the people I interacted with at Brook Army Medical Center. Sgt German was in good company.
Posted by: TomR at May 3, 2008 11:02 AM
Sergeant Merlin German is a true American, Marine, and hero. Young people would be wise to learn from and emulate his patriotism, wisdom, and spirit.
Posted by: Les at May 3, 2008 01:24 PM
Such a sad ending for this young hero, it reminds me of the visits I had to the field hospitals, the sights, the odors and visuals. The triage where they sorted them all out was particularly hard to see. As Tom mentioned the burns were horrendous and they were in terrible pain. Merlin German is in God's hands now, no more suffering. Thank you for sharing Tom and thank you for your service.
A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was
preparing to leave the examination room and said,
"Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on
the other side."
Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know."
"You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know
what is on the other side?"
The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on
the other side came a sound of scratching and
whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang
into the room and leaped on him with an eager show
of gladness.
Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you
notice my dog? He's never been in this room before.
He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing
except that his master was here, and when the door
opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of
what is on the other side of death, but I do know
one thing... I know my Master is there and that is
enough."
“A wounded officer from among the gallant French lancers
had just been carried into a Yankee field hospital to have his
dressing changed.
He was full of compliments and curiosity about the dashing contingent
that fought at his regiment's left.
‘A lot of them are mounted troops by this time,’ he explained,
‘for when our men would be shot from their horses,
these youngsters would give one running jump and gallop ahead as cavalry.
I believe they are soldiers from Montezuma.
At least, when they advanced this morning, they were all singing
"From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli.’”
Semper Fi Marine
Posted by: Jack at May 3, 2008 02:43 PM
Guarding the streets of Heaven now. Words aren't enough.
Posted by: Rhod at May 3, 2008 04:00 PM
How can one not read about his young man and watch the video and not get chocked up? He is what American is all about.
Posted by: BobF at May 3, 2008 06:01 PM
Daeth,yes those IRANIAN made IED's and we have got to stop them. It breaks my heart to see even one of our soldiers injured or killed.
Posted by: Wild Thing at May 3, 2008 06:03 PM
Lynn I agree so much, if I was a teacher I would be sharing about these men to my students. Have my class do cards and letters to the wounded soldiers and make sure they know who they are.
Posted by: Wild Thing at May 3, 2008 06:05 PM
Tom, thank you so much for sharing about being at BAMC. I am glad to know how careful they are there. One of my cousins was on his way there during the Vietnam war, he died before they got him there, but that is where they were taking him. Thank you Tom for your serving our country. I am so glad you are here.
Posted by: Wild Thing at May 3, 2008 06:19 PM
Les, I agree, I wish they were doing more on this man in the news.
Posted by: Wild Thing at May 3, 2008 06:20 PM
Jack thank you. Those are great!
Posted by: Wild Thing at May 3, 2008 06:23 PM
Rhod yes
Posted by: Wild Thing at May 3, 2008 06:25 PM
Bob same here
Posted by: Wild Thing at May 3, 2008 06:26 PM
