Merlin German (November 15, 1985 – April 11, 2008) was a United States Marinesergeant stationed in Iraq who survived a roadside bomb blast in 2005. He became a symbol of recovery throughout the United States, soon known as the "Miracle Marine,"[1] during the 17 months he spent hospitalized following the blast.[2] German eventually regained the ability to walk, and set up a charity for child burn victims. Just over three years after the blast, he died following a minor skin graft surgery.
Early life and education
German was born in New York City's Manhattan, on November 15, 1985, to Hemery and Lourdes German, immigrants from the Dominican Republic. He grew up in Washington Heights with seven siblings: sisters Marcia and Lawren, and brothers Ariel, Freddie, Johnny, Alejandro and Julio. By the age of 11, he told one of his brothers, Ariel, that he wanted to be a Marine when he grew up.[citation needed] In 2001, he moved to Greenburgh, New York, to avoid moving to the Dominican Republic with his parents, and attended Woodlands High School for his junior and senior years. He moved in with one of his sisters, Lawren German, and her husband, his brother-in-law, Rafael Diaz, along with their three sons, his nephews, Ralph Junior, Matt, and Isaiah. In high school, he spent most days working out in the gym and joined a program where he'd run with Marines on weekends, trying to get in shape for boot camp.[citation needed]
Career
German enlisted in the Marine Corps September 8, 2003. He graduated from 2nd battalion, Golf company follow series platoon 2106 on December 19, 2003, and received a meritorious promotion to Private First Class (PFC) upon graduation for being one of four squad leaders. In April 2004, he transferred to his first permanent duty station, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division where he served as a Field Artillery Cannoneer. Shortly after he 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. He graduated second in his class. In September 2004, he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. German's parent unit was 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. German was medically retired on September 28, 2007, as a result of his injuries.[3]
Iraq War and IED injury
In September 2004, 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 German participated in over 150 successful missions. German's Platoon Sergeant and Company Commander applauded him for his keen ability to spot improvised explosive devices (IEDs).[citation needed]
In the first six months of deployment, German found 8 IEDs without anyone sustaining injuries. On February 21, 2005, Sergeant German's squad was on a mission to recon an unknown route from Jordan to Baghdad. While en route to Camp Ramadi, German spotted an IED while standing in the turret at his Mk 19 grenade launcher. With no time to alert the driver, their Humvee was hit on a left side by a gas-fed shaped charge explosive. German was blown clear off the vehicle, and his fellow Marines helped extinguish the flames that had already burned 97% of his total body surface area.
Recovery
Defense Secretary Robert Gates visits Merlin German at Brooke Army Medical Center, 2007
German was transported to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, where he was given a grim prognosis. He was transported again to the Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio on February 25, 2005, and stayed there as an inpatient for 17 months. He underwent surgeries during this time,[2] gradually rebuilding his abilities.
Later life
Life out of the hospital
After regaining his ability to walk, German purchased a home in San Antonio, Texas and founded the Merlin's Miracles charity organization,[4] to help child burn victims.[5][6]
Death
On April 11, 2008, German died at the Brooke Army Medical Center after surgery to graft skin onto his lip. His memorial service was held on April 22, 2008. Sergeant German is buried in Florida National Cemetery.[7]
