Merlin German facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Merlin German
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| Nickname(s) | "Miracle Man" |
| Born | November 15, 1985 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Died | April 11, 2008 (aged 22) Brooke Army Medical Center San Antonio, Texas, U.S. |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 2003–2007 |
| Rank |  Sergeant |
| Unit |  2nd Battalion, 11th Marines |
| Battles/wars | Iraq War (WIA) |
| Awards |  Purple Heart |
Merlin German (November 15, 1985 – April 11, 2008) was a U.S. Marine sergeant. He became a symbol of hope and strength after surviving a serious injury in Iraq in 2005. Many people called him the "Miracle Marine" because of his amazing recovery. He spent 17 months in the hospital, slowly getting better. He eventually learned to walk again and even started a charity to help children who had been burned. Sadly, he passed away a few years later after a small surgery.
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Early Life and Joining the Marines
Merlin German was born in New York City on November 15, 1985. His parents were immigrants from the Dominican Republic. He grew up in Washington Heights with seven brothers and sisters. When he was just 11 years old, he told his brother Ariel that he wanted to be a Marine.
In 2001, he moved to Greenburgh, New York, to stay in the U.S. and live with his sister Lawren and her family. In high school, he spent a lot of time working out at the gym. He even joined a program where he would run with Marines on weekends. This helped him get in shape for boot camp.
Military Service
Merlin German joined the Marine Corps on September 8, 2003. He finished his basic training on December 19, 2003. He was promoted to Private First Class (PFC) right away because he was one of the top four squad leaders.
In April 2004, he moved to his first official duty station with the 5th Battalion, 11th Marines. Here, he worked as a Field Artillery Cannoneer, which means he helped operate large guns. Soon after, he went to a special course to learn how to use machine guns. He was the only Private First Class in the class, which was mostly made up of more experienced Corporals and Sergeants. He finished second in his class.
In September 2004, he was sent to Iraq to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. His main unit was the 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. Merlin German was medically retired from the Marines on September 28, 2007, because of his injuries.
Serving in Iraq and Injury
In September 2004, Merlin German's unit was assigned to help the 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines. They became part of the Weapons Platoon, which was in charge of keeping convoys safe. Convoys are groups of vehicles traveling together. His unit safely completed over 150 missions, transporting prisoners and supplies. His leaders praised him for being very good at spotting dangerous improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
In his first six months in Iraq, German found 8 IEDs. Because of his sharp eyes, no one was hurt in those situations.
The Day of the Injury
On February 21, 2005, Sergeant German's squad was on a mission to explore a new route from Jordan to Baghdad. As they were driving to Camp Ramadi, German was standing in the turret of his Humvee. He spotted an IED. Before he could warn the driver, their Humvee was hit on the left side by a powerful explosion.
The blast threw German clear of the vehicle. His fellow Marines quickly helped put out the flames that had burned 97% of his body.
His Amazing Recovery
German was first taken to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. Doctors there thought he might not survive. On February 25, 2005, he was moved to the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. He stayed in the hospital for 17 months. During this time, he had many surgeries and slowly worked to regain his strength and abilities.
Life After the Hospital
After leaving the hospital, Merlin German bought a home in San Antonio, Texas. He then started a charity called Merlin's Miracles. This organization was created to help children who had suffered from burn injuries, just like he had.
His Passing
On April 11, 2008, Merlin German passed away at the Brooke Army Medical Center. This happened after a surgery to graft skin onto his lip. His memorial service was held on April 22, 2008. Sergeant German is buried in Florida National Cemetery.
To honor his memory, the Wounded Warrior Regiment renamed its call-in help center after him. This center, located at Marine Corps Base Quantico, helps veterans get the care and support they need.
