Military service spanned generations in Eddie's family, with his father serving in the Air Force and his grandfather serving in the Army during WWII. It was no surprise that Eddie would follow in their footsteps. He called joining the Marine Corps, "the most momentous experience of his life."

He served two deployments, one to Okinawa in 2001 and one in the Middle East, before joining the elite 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. He was then deployed to Fallujah, one of the most dangerous combat zones in Iraq at the height of the war in 2004.

On April 7, 2004, Eddie was riding in the lead vehicle of his convoy on patrol through South Fallujah.

Suddenly, insurgents ambushed his unit.

During the ensuing firefight, a rocket propelled grenade struck Eddie's rifle. It exploded on impact, instantly severing his right arm below the wrist and his left arm below the elbow. The blast shattered his femur with the bone protruding from his thigh.

Seven of his fellow Marines were injured and his platoon commander was killed.

He received over 40 units of blood over the course of his medical evacuation to the U.S.

Eddie remained alert despite his injuries. Even as tourniquets were being cinched around his amputated limbs to slow the bleeding, he was calmly directing other Marines to safety.

After being medevac'd to the hospital, Eddie required 40 pints of blood to save his life.

Even while facing a long and grueling rehabilitation process, Eddie became known for his positive attitude.

Reflecting on his service, his injuries, and a reality he never imagined, Eddie told us without hesitation, "I would join again in a heartbeat. I wouldn’t trade it, even for my hands back.”