Mt. Everest’s First Wounded Warrior from Combat

On May 19, 2016, a veteran named Charlie defied all expectations by being the first person wounded in combat to stand triumphantly on the peak of Mt. Everest. His journey to achieving this was not an easy one. It commenced with a grim turn of events when he had to have his right leg amputated. This came as a result of an IED explosion in Afghanistan that occurred devastatingly close to him. Charlie’s journey ended with an accomplishment that stunned everyone and left them in awe, proving that nothing is truly impossible.

Get ready to hear about an incredible tale that’s both moving and uplifting. It’s all about a man who faced the wilderness head-on, and won.

Charlie Was Faced With Challenges Starting in High School

Thomas Charles Linville, the only boy, was born into a family of three girls in Boise, Idaho on August 22, 1985. His sisters are named Elizabeth, Brooke, and Heather. Being the youngest in the family, he is surrounded by his three older sisters.

In 2004, Charlie walked the stage of Boise High School’s graduation, an achievement he proudly obtained even when he was faced with tough times. His dad was diagnosed with a serious disease called stage four Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when Charlie just started his high school journey in his Freshman year. The news was a big shock, but Charlie did not let it hinder his academic progress.

Enter the High School Sweetheart

In 2004, during his last year of high school, a friend of his introduced him to a girl named Mandi. Mandi was originally from Ohio, but most of her childhood was spent in Roseville, California. Around the age of 12, her family decided to relocate, and they headed off to settle in Boise.

Charlie couldn’t help but chuckle as he recollected how she was part of the high school softball team. “She was head over heels for me, and she made it a point to chase me,” Charlie still finds it amusing. “However, back then I was somewhat of a rascal, aimlessly navigating my way through life.”

He Joined the Marines Out of a Sense of Duty

Charlie decided to give college a shot for a semester but he quickly figured out it wasn’t the right fit for him. He could have immersed himself in the typical college lifestyle, the party scene, but he confessed, “I could have gone and done the typical college party scene, but it wasn’t for me.” It was clear that this environment didn’t align with what he wanted for himself.

“It so happened that we were in two wars at that time on the planet, and he thought better of spending his life on anything other than just parties.” He made up his mind to join the Marine Corps.

Quick Rise Through the Marines

After making it through boot camp, Sergeant Linville continued his training at the School of Infantry, which is located at Camp Pendleton, in the month of May of the year 2006. He was able to successfully finish the SOI training which led to his becoming a 0351, that is an Assault Man, a position of great responsibility.

For a brief period, he was posted with the 3rd Battalion 1st Marines. Nonetheless, it wasn’t long before he discovered his true place – serving with the dedicated marines of the 3rd Battalion 5th Marines. In this role, he earned his stripes as the leader of the 0351 section.