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May 02, 2008
We Love You, Son
If ever someone stood for Semper Fidelis...
Miracle Marine Dies...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.
"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."
Bless your brave, brave heart, Leatherneck. And our deepest thanks to your family.
What a man they raised.
Posted by tree hugging sister at May 2, 2008 03:10 PM
Comments
The very finest this country has ever produced. How sad to lose such a sweet, heroic, awesome guy.
Posted by: Erica at May 2, 2008 03:37 PM
"What a man they raised."
I like how you put that.
Posted by: Skyler at May 2, 2008 03:44 PM
Oh, I just realized that I think that I've met him at Brooke Army Medical Center. I was with 4th Recon Battalion which is located right accross the street from BAMC. We would visit the Marines being treated there from time to time. At that time there was no staff to assist the Marines there except our unit. The active duty Marines would do the bulk of the work, admin, etc. and some of us reservists would visit to help boost morale and ensure that they were being cared for.
Usually the visits were quite uplifting. Marines with terrible injuries were so upbeat and optimistic. I always wondered how they would be in a few years when the grind of life has had more chance to be affected by their injuries.
But when we met German, it was not at all uplifting. It was horrifying. This picture is a thousand times less scary than what I saw before he had many treatments. His poor mother was there to support him and gave us a terrified look in between consoling words to him. I'm still haunted by what I saw.
Posted by: Skyler at May 2, 2008 04:03 PM
I'm just stunned. Every time I think the bravery and courage of the Marines can't be topped, they top themselves. Thanks is too poor a word.
Posted by: nightfly at May 2, 2008 04:13 PM
Holy moly, Skyler ~ I can't begin to imagine what they were going through. I mean, God forbid, thinking of Ebola in such horrific circumstances makes me cry all over again about this sweet boy and his family.
I'm glad you guys were there. As for having to take care of them, I'm not at all surprised ~ it's kinda the Marine way, right? We watch out for each other as best we can. But it sure makes the big deal over crappy barracks at Ft. Bragg pale in comparison, n'est pas?
Posted by: tree hugging sister at May 2, 2008 04:47 PM
A great Marine. A great man.
[Salutes]
Posted by: The_Real_JeffS at May 2, 2008 04:50 PM
Sweet dreams,dear patriot.
Posted by: greg newson at May 3, 2008 12:46 AM
RIP eternally, and thank you.
Posted by: Mr. Bingley at May 3, 2008 09:43 AM
[salute]
Posted by: WordGirl at May 3, 2008 10:31 AM
Wow, only 22 and gave so much. May he rest in peace, and may God comfort his loved ones. I hope his foundation can continue to do good in his honor.
Posted by: Kate P at May 3, 2008 11:43 AM
Just. Wow. Semper Fi.
Posted by: Cullen at May 5, 2008 01:48 PM