Soxy Posted December 12, 2004 Share Posted December 12, 2004 Semper Fi Marine Chooses Wedding Ring Over Finger VICTORVILLE, Calif. - When Marine Lance Cpl. David Battle learned he'd either have to sacrifice his ring finger or the wedding band he wore, he told doctors at a field hospital in Iraq (news - web sites) to cut off the finger. The 19-year-old former high school football star suffered a mangled left hand and serious wounds to his legs in a Nov. 13 fire fight in Fallujah. Battle, who is recovering at his parents' home in this desert city 80 miles northeast of Los Angeles, came under attack as he and fellow Marines entered a building. Eleven other Marines were wounded. Doctors were preparing to cut off Battle's ring to save as much of his finger as they could. "But that would mean destroying my wedding ring," he said. "My wife is the strongest woman I know. She's basically running two people's lives since I've been gone. I don't think I could ever repay her or show her how grateful ... how much I love my wife, my soul mate." With his approval, doctors severed his finger, but somehow in the chaos that followed, they lost his ring. Although Battle was disappointed, his wife, Devon, said she was honored. "I can't believe he did that," she said. "At first I was mad when he told me, but then I realized how lucky I am to have him in my life." The couple, who met in the eighth grade, were married in June, just two weeks before Battle left for Iraq. He hopes to eventually return to the Marines, and to replace his wedding ring, but that will have to wait until he recovers. In the meanwhile, Battle's high school has planned a banquet in his honor next week. "We need to make more David Battles," said Daniel Pierce, the school's assistant head coach. "He is one amazing guy." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spiff Posted December 12, 2004 Share Posted December 12, 2004 They lost the ring, good god. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Critic Posted December 12, 2004 Share Posted December 12, 2004 Hmmm..... News flash for Mr. Sensitive: Wedding rings can be soldered back together. Well-intentioned dope. Fast-forward 5 years later: "Why don't you ever do the dishes???" "HEY! I LOST MY GOD-DAMNED FINGER FOR YOU!!!!!!!!" "Really? I never knew that! It's not like you've EVER mentioned that fact before!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Queen Prawn Posted December 12, 2004 Share Posted December 12, 2004 While I understand why he would want it with him on the battlefield, I am surprised that he was wearing it on his hand (as opposed to a chain or pinned to a pocket). Brian won't be able to wear his at work after we get married - I'd kick his ass if he did as it could cost him his hand, arm or more. Critic - I can see that happening quite easily lol! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldmember Posted December 12, 2004 Share Posted December 12, 2004 With his approval, doctors severed his finger, but somehow in the chaos that followed, they lost his ring. that sucks... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palehosefan Posted December 12, 2004 Share Posted December 12, 2004 Doctors were preparing to cut off Battle's ring to save as much of his finger as they could. Sounds like he would have had a stubby even if he decided to choose his finger over the ring. Atleast this way he got good press and atleast a few great nights with his wife when he gets home . My friend had a stubby thumb and I used to make fun of him for it, not that I'm mean or anything. He lost 1/4 of his thumb in a van door, ouch. Not to mention if the doctors were capable of actually losing this guys ring after he made such a sacrifice, I'm not sure if they would have cut his finger off anyways trying to cut the ring off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texsox Posted December 13, 2004 Share Posted December 13, 2004 . . . and honey that's the honest to God truth how I lost my ring . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LosMediasBlancas Posted December 13, 2004 Share Posted December 13, 2004 Don't most couples get new wedding bands after a while anyway? I mean, I'm sure they keep the original ones, but still. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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