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thedrifter
02-14-07, 08:05 AM
Vanceburg man's grandson injured in Iraq

By CARRIE CARLSON Staff Writer

Tuesday, February 13, 2007 9:30 PM EST


VANCEBURG -- LCpl. Matthew Bradford, 20, of Virginia, was severely injured after he was hit with an improvised explosive device while on foot patrol in Iraq on Jan. 18.

Bradford is the grandson of Herbert Bradford, long-time Vanceburg resident. Matthew even spent time in Vanceburg with his grandfather for stints during his youth. Now, Herbert Bradford, as well as many others, are hoping and praying for his grandson's full recovery.

Matthew Bradford was serving in the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines Unit in Haditha, Iraq, when he encountered the explosive device. According to a Web site established by David Bradford, Matthew Bradford's father, four to five other men were injured from the blast, but Matthew sustained the worst injuries.

The soldier lost portions of both legs, which later had to be amputated. He also lost his left eye and his right eye was damaged near the retina. Doctors are hopeful some vision may be restored in the right eye. Additionally, Matthew had small intestine damage and a ruptured bladder. Fragments from the IED were lodged in his left elbow and right wrist. He suffered from broken bones in his right hand.

Matthew was extradited to the United States for medical treatment. He arrived at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland on Jan. 21. A piece of shrapnel that entered his left eye, also lodged in Matthew's brain. Because of pressure in his brain, doctors put Matthew in an induced coma "so his body would focus on repair and become stable for many surgeries" ahead, said David Bradford.

Matthew enlisted with the Marines before graduating high school in 2005, said Herbert Bradford. He had been in the Marines for 1.5 years before the accident.

"He is a very neat boy," said his grandfather, who actually served in the Navy during World War II.

Herbert Bradford said his grandson "wanted to go" when it came to serving in the Marines.

Matthew's father was raised in Vanceburg and served in the Air Force after graduating high school and traveled "all over the world," said Herbert Bradford.

Since then, David has worked many years at the commissary in Ft. Lee in Virginia.

At this point, there is no word on how long Matthew will be undergoing treatment, but family members anticipate extensive therapy.

Herbert Bradford is pleased with how well the hospital has treated the family, which has its own room on the medical grounds.

"They've been awful good to them," he said.

After hearing of the news, the Lewis County Fiscal Court decided Monday to honor Matthew Bradford at its March meeting.

One may visit Matthew's Web site to check on his condition and send words of encouragement by visiting www.caringbridge.org/cb/i...mbradford. Written sentiments may be sent to Bradford Family Room 305, Navy Lodge Bethesda Building 52, National Naval Medical Center, 8901 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Md. 20889.

Contact Carrie Carlson at 606-564-9091, ext. 272.

Ellie