GAINESVILLE, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
Private First Class Sean Adams just graduated from Chestatee High School in 2011 and he was only in Afghanistan for a month when he was severely wounded by an improvised explosive device.
Sean's injuries were severe and life-threatening.
On March, 1st the Adams family contacted CBS Atlanta to report that Sean was moved off of the CCU floor and was placed on the recovery floor.
He will be receiving his Purple Heart on Friday.
Sean's brother, Joshua, said the military told him Sean was clearing a roadway with a mine sweeper when he stepped on the IED. Sean was wearing heavy-duty body armor designed to protect the Marines against blasts. But Joshua said his brother took a direct hit.
"He has shrapnel to his left eye, lacerations to his face, fractured jaw that is wired shut, both ear drums were ruptured, bruised lungs, soft tissue damage to both his arms, right hand pinky was amputated half way, left hand pinky was amputated, left hand thumb was amputated completely, shrapnel to the groin, left leg was amputated above the knee, and right leg was amputated mid-thigh," said Joshua.
Sean's former wrestling coach Carey Whitlow said it is a miracle Sean is alive.
"We are fortunate Sean is alive," said Whitlow."That IED bomb that hit him would probably kill most guys but Sean is a big, strong guy, and God has a purpose for his life. Now, we have to find what that is now."
Whitlow wore a Marine lapel given to him by Sean after he finished basic training and before his deployment to Afghanistan.
Sean's father, Hugh, said his son is a hero.
"That's the kind of man that makes it safe for us to lay our head on the pillow and sleep peacefully at night," said Adams. "He truly is a hometown hero."
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