On Dec. 20, Master Sgt. Eden Pearl, the Marine known as the most severely wounded military veteran to have fought in Afghanistan and survived, died peacefully in his sleep after battling his injuries for six years.

Pearl’s resilience and fearlessness made him a prominent figure in the Marine and military community, and his passing was met with widespread grief. His family posted an open letter on the Marine Reconnaissance Foundation Facebook page to inform the public of his death and celebrate his memory.

We all know that Eden was “the guy” we all aspired to be. Feared by most but loved by all, his ability to bring the best in all was unmatched. When we talk heroes, Eden’s name comes to mind immediately. His devotion to family was truly stunning and what I admire most about a guy we had the luck and fortune to befriend. As much as we all knew him as a warrior, we loved him for what he was, just a damn good friend, husband and father. I’m sure we will all miss his smiling face, comedic sense of humor and affable personality.

Pearl was among the first Marines to invade Iraq in 2004, and he was one of the first to join MARSOC in 2006. Thanks to his bright red beard, muscles and intimidating tattoos, he was called a “viking warrior” during his service. Pearl’s call sign, Mosh Pit, was a reference both to his love of rock concerts, the practice of concert-goers shoving each other and Pearl’s battle-hardened drive. Pearl wasn’t pushed around–he pushed you. 

The Marine was injured when his team hit a roadside bomb in 2009. More than 90 percent of Pearl’s body was damaged by burns, and he suffered a traumatic brain injury. With his wife and children at his side, Pearl underwent numerous surgeries and skin grafts over the next six years.

It was with his family that Eden Pearl’s suffering finally ended.

“Eden’s last day was spent with close family, each being afforded the opportunity to give the rare goodbyes to our loved ones that are sometimes not possible,” his family said. “He passed peacefully with the one that captured his heart.”

Semper Fi.