Wounded Marine receives warm welcome in Portland

PORTLAND – Marine Cpl. Eric McCue, wounded nearly two months ago when he stepped on a land mine in Iraq, returned to his home state Wednesday night, stepping off a USAirways jet under his own power.

The 21-year-old South Portland native lost two toes on his left foot and broke his right foot in the April 1 incident and has been undergoing medical treatment in Greenville, N.C.

Friends and family members gathered at Portland International Jetport to welcome McCue, who said he received hundreds of cards and gifts from well-wishers during his recovery.

“It’s unbelievable, all the support,” he said.

McCue was able to walk on his own two feet – with the help of a cane – after 11 surgeries, skin grafts and losing more than 30 pounds from his 6-foot-3 frame.

McCue was among the Camp Lejeune, N.C., infantrymen who marched into Nasiriyah through blinding sandstorms and put out word that they would be accepting prisoners of war.

The next day, McCue was taking his turn handling those who chose to surrender.

As he and another Marine headed back toward the building where his unit was holed up, a land mine exploded under his feet.

He was awarded a Purple Heart.

McCue said he was looking forward to sleeping in his own bed, relaxing with his friends and family and playing some golf.