Memorial Day Salute to Sergeant Merlin German the “Miracle Man”  (Nov. 15, 1985 - April 11, 2008)

In February 2005 when he was just 18 years old, Sergeant Merlin's Humvee hit a roadside IED in Baghdad.  Merlin German was burned over 97% of his body.  He was not expected to survive even 24 hours, but after over 100 surgeries, he clearly defied his doctors.

Sergeant German had a T-shirt he made.  The front: “Got 3% chance of surviving, what ya gonna do?” The back: “A) Fight Through, b) Stay Strong, c) Overcome Because I Am a Warrior, or d) All of the Above. He had D circled.

In his short life he accomplished more than most people without such sever injuries. Being horribly burned didn't stop him because his spirit always showed through. He lived life on his terms. He founded Merlin's Miracles Foundation to fund recovery of young burn victims.

He spent three years at Brook Army Medical Center — first a record 17 months in inpatient care, then more than a year in outpatient therapy — German was a living legend, the "Miracle Man" whose inspiring determination drew the interest of President Bush, actor Chuck Norris and other VIPs he met. Everything about him, from sarcastic one-liners to his color-coordinated medical garments was bigger than life. Dan Gilyeat met him at BAMC and a mutual admiration society was formed. Merlin's T-shirt hangs in Dan's Military Room. It is a constant reminder of what true grit really is.

Merlin German passed from this earth on April 11, 2008 not directly from his injuries but because of an infection from a minor skin graft. He left an impression on every one he came into contact with. God Bless Merlin and every other fallen hero on this Memorial Day.

On Dec. 9, the Wounded Warrior Regiment Call Center in Dumfries, VA was officially named the Sergeant Merlin German Wounded Warrior Call Center.

Merlin's mother and father look on as the plaque, now in the main entrance, was unveiled.