'Miracle Marine' Dead After 3-Year Struggle

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." (More Iraq stories.)