Hogan's Injured Buddy Just Back From Iraq

The Nick Hogan car crash gravely injured a US Marine who served two tours of duty in Iraq, returning just last October.

The St. Petersburg Times reported today that John Graziano, Nick's friend and passenger, joined the corps after graduating in 2003, serving twice in Iraq. The marine is still in "very serious condition," and his health status "hasn't changed since he arrived" at the hospital early Sunday morning. One of the men who found Graziano at the scene was the brother of one of Graziano's best friends.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ -- God forbid -- worst case scenario, Nick Hogan could face charges of gross vehicular manslaughter, if there's proof that alcohol, excessive speeding or drag racing were involved. The maximum sentence is 15 years in prison.