Merlin-German-Obituary

Merlin German

Obituary

A Marine sergeant 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. He was 22.

Sgt. Merlin German died April 11 at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where he was continuing treatment for the injuries he suffered in combat on Feb. 22, 2005, the Pentagon said Thursday.

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 more than 40 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.

"Sometimes I do 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 New York City, German moved to its 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.

German had been stationed at Camp Pendleton, Calif. 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."
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press


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After a 6 month deployment to Iraq I would visit the injured and recovering military at Brooks Army Hospital. I knew that many of them would appreciate books, magazines, candy or fruit and bringing some gifts made me feel more positive about my own experiences in Iraq. I know I was trying to settle into civilian life again, but I also did not want to forget the experience of war, of being in a war zone of being with people so young, fragile and vulnerable. I wanted the patients at Brooks to...

I didn't know him personally but I so remember his story. What a true hero. May he rest in peace. He deserves that.

My brother we share the same birthday the same branch of service the same culture. I'm very proud of you and look up to you and your attitude towards difficult times. Even an old man like me can learn from the young. God Bless you and Rest in peace my brother.

I just wanted to write and give my thoughts and prayers to the family of Marine Sgt. Merlin German The story of Merlin in my local newspaper stuck my heart, I cut it out and posted it on my kitchen refrigerator ,as a constant reminder of the sacrifice and strength of our armed forces and their family's. Over time the age and sun turned the paper yellow and started to curl I couldn't just throw it away, knowing that I would be some how throwing part of him away, with the thought that I would...

I think About you everyday, I miss you so much
Love you

Juancito

It is with the utmost respect that I offer my condolences to the family of a true American Hero. Sergeant Merlin German May the memories of your Hero carry you through the days and years to come. May you rest in the knowledge that your duty was well done and you have the gratitude of an entire nation. I salute you. May your family find peace and comfort in the months to come in knowing you served proudly. May you rest in peace, for your mission is now complete. Stand down now and know that we...

Never forgotten.

May the Lord continue to comfort the loved ones of this amazing man.