Marine veteran becomes first combat-wounded amputee to summit Mount Everest

(FOX 11) - Retired U.S. Marine Corp Staff Sgt. Charlie Linville, 30, became the first combat wounded veteran to summit Mount Everest, according to the Los Angeles-based nonprofit The Heroes Project.

The group says it was the Idaho native's third attempt to reach the 29,029-foot summit after previous efforts in 2014 and 2015.

Linville joined the Marines after high school where he volunteered to be an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician in Afghanistan -- a job that consisted of diffusing as many as 40 bombs on a daily basis.

In January 2011, he was conducting an IED sweep when an explosive device detonated, leading to devastating injuries to his hand and the amputation of his right foot.

"The team is healthy and safe and currently descending the mountain," the group said in a statement following Linville's feat.

The Heroes Project, created by former Hell's Angel biker Tim Medvetz, helps injured veterans climb the world's tallest mountains and aims to inspire others to overcome their injuries from war.

The group says it has taken wounded veterans and active service members to six of the world's seven biggest summits so far.

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