Marine Sgt. Merlin German dies of burns from 2005

`Miracle' Marine dies; badly burned in 2005 Iraq blast

`Miracle' Marine badly burned in 2005 Iraq blast dies after becoming emblem of resolve

The Associated Press
AP News

May 02, 2008 07:37 EST

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.