Back to In The News

Memorial tomorrow in Hartsdale for fallen Marine Sgt. Merlin German

The Journal News | LoHud.com
By Shawn Cohen
05.01.08

HARTSDALE - A memorial service will be held tomorrow for Marine Sgt. Merlin German, a Woodlands High School graduate who died following surgery last month, three years after he was severely injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq.

The ceremony, which will include comments from former schoomates, a proclamation from the town of Greenburgh and a salute by the Fairview Fire Department's honor guard, will be held at 7 p.m. at Woodlands High School, 475 W. Hartsdale Ave.

German, born in Manhattan, moved to Edgepark Road in Greenburgh in 2001 and attended Woodlands in his junior and senior years. Upon graduating in June 2003, he enlisted in the Marines and became a gunner in Iraq.

On Feb. 21, 2005, on a reconnaissance mission, his humvee was hit by an explosive near Ramadi. He suffered burns over 97 percent of his body and was given a slim chance of survival.

For 17 months, he was an inpatient at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, and he later resided at the Fisher House in San Antonio. He died April 11 while recovering from his latest operation.

"We want Sgt. Merlin German and his family to know that he will not only continue to be remembered, he will continue to be admired, respected and honored for the service, commitment and sacrifice he has made for the country," said school guidance counselor Joe Foy II, who is helping organize the event.

Back to In The News