Pregnant Marine Is Dead: Sheriff

Hunt on for young mom-to-be set to testify about incident at base

(NEWSER) - A pregnant 20-year-old Marine scheduled to testify about an incident that occurred at her North Carolina military base has been missing for nearly a month, reports the Dayton Daily News. Maria Lauterbach's cell phone was found at the camp's gate, and her car at a bus station six miles away. Her mother said Lauterbach typically calls home several times a day. Her baby boy is due next week. More»

(NEWSER) - A realistic video game featuring a historic Fallujah battle involving US forces in Iraq has incensed vets and their families, reports ABC News. Six Days in Fallujah is due out next year, and involves Marine consultants to ensure accuracy of the action. "It's upsetting," said a mom who lost a son in Iraq. "I have this image of guys sitting around laughing because they got killed or didn't, and starting over. My son didn't have that choice." More»

Struck by roadside bomb, he endured 100+ surgeries

(NEWSER) - A Marine who endured burns on 97% of his body with good humor and hope has died during routine surgery, USA Today reports. Hit by a roadside bomb in Iraq, Sgt. Merlin German walked, talked, and even danced during his 3-year recovery. Undergoing more than 100 surgeries, he became a symbol of resilience and started a charity for burned kids called "Merlin's Miracles." More»

Marines now balk at WWI nickname once used with pride

(NEWSER) - Once used with pride, the Marines moniker "Devil Dog" now has a nasty bite to it, the Marine Corps Times reports. Young Marines recoil at the term that troops earned by fighting off Germans in a bloody World War I battle. They say it reminds them of angry COs: "It's a preface to getting your ass chewed," one Marine major said. More»

Military investigating video showing puppy hurled from cliff

(NEWSER) - Military officials are investigating a video posted on YouTube that appears to show a Marine hurling a puppy off a cliff, the Marine Corps Times reports. The video shows a Marine joking with buddies in a rocky landscape before throwing the animal. An official from the Hawaii base where the Marine is thought to be stationed called the video "shocking and deplorable." More»