A True American Hero (Slideshow)

I do not own the music or rights to it in the video.

****At the end of my video is an optional moment of prayer.****
Sergeant Merlin German (USMC) was born in Manhattan, New York on Nov. 15, 1985. He enlisted in the Marine Corps 08 September 2003 and received a meritorious promotion to Private First Class out of boot camp. in April 2004, Sergeant German transferred to his first permanent duty station, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division where he served as a Field Artillery Cannoneer.

Shortly after, Sergeant German 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. Sergeant German's outstanding leadership skills helped him to graduate second in his class.

In September 2004, Sergeant 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 Sgt. German participated in over 150 successful missions. Sergeant German's Platoon Sergeant and Company Commander applauded him for his keen sense of spotting improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

In the first six months of deployment, Sergeant German found 8 IEDs without anyone sustaining injuries. On 21 February 2005, Sergeant German's squad was on a mission to recon an unknown route from Jordan to Baghdad. While en route to Camp Ramadi, Sergeant German spotted an IED while standing in the turret at his Mk-19 machine gun. With no time to alert the driver, their HUMVEE was hit on a left side by a gas-fed shape charge explosive. Sergeant German was blown clear of the vehicle, and his fellow Marines helped extinguish the flames that had quickly burned 97% of his total body surface area.

Sergeant German was immediately transported to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany where doctors stated Sergeant German had NO chance of living. He had a quick turn-around flight to the burn unit at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio and he arrived on 25 February 2005. He was cared for as an inpatient for 17 months, and then resided as a guest of the Fisher House before purchasing his own home in San Antonio.

He fought bravely for more than three years, and 150+ surguries. His most recent surgury was to place skin o his lip, but died in the hospital (inconclusive death) on Friday, Apr. 11, while recovering from his most recent operation.
Merlin had a vision to help burned children and their families. He wanted the foundation to be named Merlin's Miracles.

After being burned over 97% of his body when a roadside bomb exploded under his vehicle in Iraq while fighting defending our freedom in the Global War on Terror. Merlin was flown to Brooke Army Medical Center where he was not expected to survive, but after over 9 months in the intensive care unit and over 100 surgeries later, he had clearly defied all odds. Merlin became known to everyone as the Miracle Man.

He touched the lives of everyone he met. He taught us strength, courage and unity. He loved children and was a very proud uncle to his nieces and nephews.
The donations would be used to assist burned children and their families to take vacations, trips, outings or anything the families needed to make life a little easier. Merlin loved to travel and knew how difficult it was for him to endure long lines at amusement parks or the frustration of not being able to do certain things because of the heat or being able to go to certain places because of special transportation needed.

It was his dream to be able to grant these families their wishes no matter what the request was. The grants would not be limited to trips and outings but also to help the families in their own homes to make it more comfortable for the burn children.

We are asking for your donation, to make Merlin's dream come true, to grant miracles to burned children and their families.
Please visit www.merlinsmiracles.com

November 11, what would have been his 23 birthday, is Sgt. Merlin German Day in my whole town. So celebrate that day, support your troops, and tell your friends about it.

His story proves that there is such thing as a second chance. It was not a privilage, nor honor to be his nephew, however it was living proof that god is real. It was a gift from god to be related to him in any way. Friend, Mentor, Uncle, Brother, Son, Miracle Marine, Sargeant Merlin German Of the United States Marines.

He is obviously guarding the sacred Streets of Heaven.
Lord rest his soul, and God bless all soldiers and veterans.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Merlin
• Miracle
• Dream
• Marine
• USMC
• Slideshow
• Uncle
• Purple
• Heart
• BAMC
• Brother
• Son
• Hero
• wisdom
• True
• American
• Dominican

[jame679]

i feel for this marines famly sooo bad. my heart goes out to his family.

[nomoreanswers5150]

@jame679 thank you, i really appreciate it

[mulisha0351]

semper fi Marine

[nomoreanswers5150]

Thank you for your consideration and time to watch this video. Thank you.

[rcw24always]

German and I were in the same squad in iraq. He was a great Marine and a beautiful person. I know he's looking over us in Heaven.

[SkiesVibrant]

It is still November 11 where I live. Veterans Day! I come from a long line a veterans including brothers, sisters, dad, step-dad, my husband and myself. But even with such a huge circle of veterans all around me, I can't say that I've seen anything to match the courage of this young man who gave all. God's promises are true and He said that nothing can separate us from His love. Merlin now basks in that holy Love.

Semper Fi Marine. Rest easy, We have the watch.

[ALBANO2684]

Semper Fi

[maskedrider24]

I served with merlin i was in his platoon in ramadi iraq 5/11 out of flores i was there when that all went down i didnt know he passed

semper fi Sgt German

[ViennasNachos]

RIP Marine

Ill take your place, your sacrifice wasn't for nothing

[ViennasNachos]

Dieser Mensch ist freiwillig in den Krieg gezogen um Saddam zu entmachten, einem Mann der massenweise Kurden und poltische Gegner erschossen & vergast hat.

Krieg ist verdammt nochmal besser als Saddam.....

____________________________

RIP Merlin German, Semper Fi