Sgt. Merlin German United States Marine Corps November 15, 1985 - April 11, 2008 |
| Tributes This Memorial Page Established by-SFC Rodney L. Brewer In Honor Of SGT Merlin German Sergeant Merlin German, 22, of Manhattan, New York. German died at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, from wounds he suffered while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq, on February 22, 2005. He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif., while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. German's parent unit was 2/11. He was medically retired September 28, 2007, as a result of his injuries. He died on April 11, 2008. There was an explosion and a large percent of his body was burned severely. www.patriotguard.org check the archives for recently completed missions... There is a picture of Merlin dancing with his Mother that is absolutely heartwrenching... Christmas in Arlington... Rest easy, sleep well my brother, Merlin. Know the line has held, your job is done. Rest easy, sleep well. Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held. Peace, peace, and farewell....,. SFC Rod. Sergeant Merlin German was born 15 November 1985 in Manhattan, New York. 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. Sergeant German fought bravely for more than three years but died in the hospital on 11 April 2008 while recovering from his most recent operation. He is survived by his parents, Hemery and Lourdes German, his sisters, Marcia and Lawren and his brothers, Ariel, Freddie, Johnny, Alejandro and Julio. Last December, after months of practice so he could lift his arms, turn and pivot, he donned his Marine dress blues and hit the dance floor at Brooke's Holiday Ball. He surprised his mother, taking her into his wounded arms, gliding smoothly across the room to a melody he chose -- a Rod Stewart song, "Have I Told You Lately That I Loved You?" The crowd stood and applauded. And cried. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bob Ellis USN 80-86 In Memory of Ed "OldIron" Barrett "Remember that no matter how many missions you have been on, all that matters to the family is the one you are on today." ~ Roert TLSmith Posts: 139 Franklin, NC - WNC 15 Apr 2008 7:06 AM Alert My heart stopped when I saw this thread... God bless Merlin and his family ... I had the honor of meeting him and visiting with him and family at BAMC... I know God has the design for all of us... I have NEVER met a more incredible man that Sgt. Merlin German...who INSISTED we call him Merlin... Godspeed.... ALL my love to the family...today and always... I was blessed to have met you all.... ALWAYS. Tammy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ♥ Faith or Fear...your choice. ♥ To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. Ralph Waldo Emerson T-Bone Posts: 1480 Georgia 15 Apr 2008 7:14 AM Alert To the family and friends of Sgt. Merlin German, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time of sorrow as you mourn the loss of your loved one. This is a hard thing for all of us, please know that we are grieving with you. Sgt. Merlin German, United States Marine Corps and American Hero, we Salute you Sir, and we Thank you for your service, and the sacrifice you've made for our Country and our Freedom. May our Heavenly Father receive you into his kingdom, and as you receive your NEW Body, your glorified body, with no more pain, no more scars and no more suffering, I knwo that You'll walk the Streets of Gold with Marine Pride. Rest at Ease soldier, your mission her is completed. T-Bone and Keeper -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- T-Bone and Keeper Georgia PGR....PART OF IT!....PROUD OF IT! krayzrick Posts: 196 Montgomery, Alabama 15 Apr 2008 7:18 AM Alert Never forget what our soldiers must endure for our freedoms. Sgt. German, you are a Hero. Rest In Peace sir... I stand with you in spirit -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27th Engr./11th Cav. 66-67 Xuan Loc 7th Engr./5th Mech. Div. 68 Quang Tri 9/11/2001 Never Forget America's soldiers guard our way of life, and the Patriot Guard Riders cover their backs..... Dec 17, 2008 Rose Camero-Gill To the family of Sgt. Merlin German, USMC, I would like to express my sympathy on the loss of your precious son. I know the pain you are feeling for my beloved son, Cpl. Steven P. Gill was killed by an IED on 21 July 05 in Ziadon, Iraq. Our lives have forever changed since that day. May you know German family that your son will never be forgotten for his bravery and his love of country.For "Freedom is not Free". Semper Fi, Rose Camero-Gill, Gold Star Mom |
| Sign Guestbook |
22, of Manhattan, N.Y.; assigned to the 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I
Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; died April 11 at Brooke Army Medical Center,
San Antonio, from wounds sustained while conducting combat operations in Anbar, Iraq, on Feb.
22, 2005. He had been medically retired on Sept. 28, 2007, as a result of his injuries.
Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; died April 11 at Brooke Army Medical Center,
San Antonio, from wounds sustained while conducting combat operations in Anbar, Iraq, on Feb.
22, 2005. He had been medically retired on Sept. 28, 2007, as a result of his injuries.