My head's still ringing but I'm the luckiest SOB in the world

by MegaDude 7 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  MegaDude

  Marine Eric Walderman wearing his lucky helmet LUCKY MARINE TRICKS DEATH A Royal Marine Commando who was shot in the head four times has lived to tell the tale of his lucky escape. Eric Walderman's life was saved by his tough Kevlar helmet after he was caught in enemy gun sights during a savage firefight in Umm Qasr. The four bullets ripped through the outer camouflage of the 25-year-olds' standard-issue helmet but were stopped by the ultra-tough protective Kevlar shell. Just an inch lower and the father-of-one could have joined the list of British casualties. His relieved partner Lindsey Robinson, 25, at home with their son Danny, two, said: "I can't believe it. He is so lucky to be alive. He's the luckiest man out there. I'm just so glad he's still alive." Marine Walderman is part of 40 Commando's Alpha Company. The former welder accomplished a life-long ambition by joining the Marines three years ago. After 30 weeks training he passed out on March 27, 2000, receiving the famous green beret. He was also awarded the Commando Medal, the second highest commendation for new Marines, for being an outstanding new recruit. He went to the Gulf on January 15. Kevlar: The Facts Kevlaris a polymer plastic fibre and was developed and manufactured by US firm DuPont in the mid 1960s. Helmets made of Kevlar are 25%-40% more resistant to projectiles than their steel predecessors of equal weight. Under water, Kevlar is 20 times stronger than steel. Kevlarbody vests and helmets have saved the lives of more than 2,700 police and prison officers in the US alone, its manufacturers claim - and they have their own Kevlar Survivors Club. Kevlarmilitary helmets replaced the "steel pot" helmet in the late 1970s. Scientists still do not know fully why Kevlar is so strong but believe it is because of its molecular composition
• 

  Celia

  Megadude, is that Eric Walderman really you ? Yes this young man was very lucky. Please keep safe in the days to come
• 

  Big Tex

  Hhmmmm, win the lottery or have a Kevlar helmet stop a bullet. Tough choice.

  Nah, I'll take Kevlar.
• 

  VeniceIT

  He's ONLY 25???? hmmmm. That is one lucky guy!!!!! I hope they're all so lucky

  Ven
• 

  Joyzabel

  Poor V, another one got away!
• 

  jst2laws

  Megadude,

  Like Celia I thought you were reporting about a personal experience until I read the story. Four shots to the head in a US courtroom would have made MAJOR HEADLINES, without the happy ending. So I am happy for you AND Marine Eric Walderman.

  Js2laws
• 

  Michael3000

  You are indeed lucky. However, your "luck" would not have been tested in such a way, if Dubya hadn't sent you there to protect the US's oil democracy interests.
• 

  MegaDude

  LOL@Jst2laws.

  Sadly, I am not vacationing in Iraq this year.