Blue Star Chronicles

Sergeant Merlin German became known as the Miracle Marine after he survived an IED blast in 2005 with burns over 97% of his body. German died of complications from his injuries on April 11, 2008 at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio Texas. Read more about him below. You can also see photos and videos of him below.

Merlin German

Marine Sgt. Merlin German became a symbol of resilience as he struggled to survive and thrive after an IED roadside bomb destroyed his body, burning him over 95% of his body, on February 22, 2005 in Anbar Provice Iraq.

He died on April 11th, but the word of his death has just been made public. He died following yet another surgery to graft skin onto his lips. He was 22 years old.

Merlin German had been a turret gunner when he was wounded. He was called the ‘Miracle Marine’ because he not only survived, but exhibited an awesome determination to face his wounds head on and live his life within the parameters of his abilities. He went through over 100 surgeries and spent over 17 months in the hospital. He had to learn to walk again. He showed a courage and strength of character that is uncommon in any man, especially one so young.

“Sometimes I do think I can’t do it,” Sgt. German said 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.”

While he was in treatment, German started a charity called Merlin’s Miracles. The focus of Merlin’s Miracles is to help children burn victims.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that the California State Capitol’s flags would be flown at half-staff in Sgt German’s honor as German had been stationed at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside California. Gov. Schwarzenegger said the sergeant’s “courage and unfailing loyalty serve as an inspiration to Americans everywhere.”

Sergeant Merlin German was born on November 15, 1985 in New York City. He moved to the Washington Heights suburbs as a teen. His mother, Lourdes, worked in a doll factory and his father was a carpenter. They retired in 2001 to move back to the Dominican Republic. Merlin and his sister Ariel insisted on staying in New York. Merlin graduated from Woodlands High School in Westchester County in 2003.

He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in September 8 2003 at 17 years of age. He was deployed with his unit to Iraq in 2004. When he was injured, the only part of his body that wasn’t burned was the top of his head and the soles of his feet. He was medically retired from the Marine Corp on September 28, 2007.

Sgt. Marlin German was so determined that in December 2006 he asked his mother to dance at the hospital’s annual holiday ball. It was a surprise to everyone and brought everyone to tears.

Recently, Sgt German was considering going to college and thinking about a future career.

Merlin German - Photos