Blinded & with arm hanging off ... but Craig still fought on; Hero soldier now in fight for his sight.

Byline: By MARY MURTAGH

HERO soldier Craig Lundberg is fighting for his sight after being blown up by an Iraqi grenade.

Lance Corporal Lundberg, 21, from Aintree, lost his left eye and most of his teeth when he came under attack during a routine search.

His arm was almost severed by the explosion and he could lose the use of his right eye. He also suffered massive facial burns.

Doctors at Selly Oak hospital, Birmingham, are now battling to save his sight.

But, remarkably, he was still giving orders to his colleagues despite the horrific injuries he suffered from the force of the rocket grenade explosion.

He was even scrabbling around for his rifle to return fire.

L/Cpl Lundberg was standing on a wall firing at insurgents when the grenade struck, destroying the masonry beneath his feet.

The soldier, of 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, was pulled to safety by colleagues and given emergency first aid before being treated at a US field hospital south of Baghdad, then airlifted to a US military hospital in Germany.

Between them L/Cpl Lundberg's parents Steve, 41, and Debbie, 45, and 19-year-old childhood sweetheart Helen Barnes have kept a constant vigil at his bedside.

The Lundberg family, including sister Abi, 14, and 10-year-old brother Ryan, have been inundated with get well soon messages from army pals.

Mr Lundberg said: "Craig is lucky to be alive. Everyone who was with him at the time says he was so lucky to have got out of that.

"We were warned about how bad he would look. It was pretty horrific.

"Call it best of British or the stiff upper lip, but Craig is not bitter. His attitude is that 'stuff happens' and that he was just doing his job.

"He is in good humour. He is already joking that he fancies having blue eyes when they fit prosthetic ones.

"I have never met anyone so brave. My son is inspirational. He has shown such strength in dealing with what has happened.

"He is a joy to be around and I am immensely proud of him. His attitude is humbling."

L/Cpl Lundberg started training to join the Army at 16 after leaving Fazakerley high school.

He joined the King's Regiment and completed a six-month tour in Iraq.

Mr Lundberg said: "When Craig came home for the first time we noticed the difference straight away. He had turned into a comfortable, confident and well-rounded young man. He is army through and through."

He was promoted to the rank of L/Cpl and trained as a sniper.

If doctors do manage to save the sight in L/Cpl Lundberg's remaining eye he is determined to stay in the army.

Colonel Martin Amlot, regimental secretary for 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, said: "The colonel of the regiment, Major General Hamish Rollo, is very proud of all members of the regiment, especially those serving in Iraq, and in particular L/Cpl Craig Lundberg who has paid a much higher price than many of those serving today.

"We all wish Craig a speedy recovery. We will be keeping in touch with him and giving him as much help as he needs, for as long as he needs it.

"We are very glad that the ECHO is recognising the service of its local regiment in this special way."

June Simm, assistant headteacher of Fazakerley high school, said: "Craig was a co-operative, pleasant and polite young man who got on very well with fellow pupils and staff.

"On his school testimonial we predicted he would be a useful member of society and we are very sad that in fulfilling that prediction he has suffered these injuries.

"Craig is in our thoughts and everyone at the school wishes him a speedy recovery."

You can send messages of support for L/Cpl Lundberg on our website messageboards at www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

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CAPTION(S):

HAPPIER TIMES: Craig Lundberg gets a cuddle from his sister Abi; VICTIM: Craig Lundberg in hospital. Left: L/Cpl Lundberg in uniform