Marine sets Airborne first Amputee becomes first to earn wings (12/18/03)

Marine sets Airborne first Amputee becomes first to earn wings
By Bridgett Siter/The Bayonet

FORT BENNING, Ga. (Dec. 18, 2003) -- A 23-year-old Marine who lost his foot to a landmine in Afghanistan made history last week at Fort Benning.

When Sgt. Chris Chandler graduated from Airborne School Dec. 12, it was the first time anyone with a prosthetic limb — Soldier, Marine or otherwise — was allowed to earn his wings.

“It’s just one less leg I have to break,” said Chandler, who dismissed his graduation as being more noteworthy than that of his classmates. “I’m still nervous every time that door opens, just like everybody else.”


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