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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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'Miracle Marine' Dead After 3-Year Struggle

Struck by roadside bomb, he endured 100+ surgeries

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(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."

"Early on, he thought, 'This is ridiculous. Why am I doing this? Why am I working so hard?"' said Lt. Col. Evan Renz, German's friend and surgeon. "But every month or so, he'd say, 'I've licked it.' He was amazingly positive overall. He never complained. He'd just dig in and do it."

In this Nov. 7, 2007 file photo, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre, left, poses with U.S. Marine Sgt. Merlin German.
In this Nov. 7, 2007 file photo, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre, left, poses with U.S. Marine Sgt. Merlin German.   (AP Photo)
In this undated photo provided by Brooke Army Medical Center, Merlin German is seen. No one expected Sgt. Merlin German to survive after he had been burned over 97 percent of his body by a roadside bomb in Iraq. But the determined Marine would not surrender. He endured more than...
In this undated photo provided by Brooke Army Medical Center, Merlin German is seen. No one expected Sgt. Merlin German to survive after he had been burned over 97 percent of his body by a roadside bomb...   (AP Photo/Brooke Army Medical Center)
In this May 21, 2007 file photo, Marine Sgt. Merlin German, 21, poses following during his promotion ceremony at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.
In this May 21, 2007 file photo, Marine Sgt. Merlin German, 21, poses following during his promotion ceremony at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.   (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
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