Seven Okinawa-based Marines saved the life of an unidentified airman Dec. 31, after witnessing him sustain serious injuries in a motorcycle accident. The Marines — Sgt David Lam, 1stLts. Sterling Elliot and Jose Diaz, Gunnery Sgt. Memora Tan, and Cpls. Devan Duranwernet, Joseph Thouvenot and Gerardo Lujan — each played key roles in responding to the emergency.
“Their quick actions and willingness to get involved are commendable and exactly the type of actions you would expect from all military members that may find themselves in this sort of situation,” said Maj. James Harris, commander of the 353rdSpecial Operations Maintenance Squadron, to which the stricken airman is attached.
Diaz cut away the victim’s clothing, noticed he had sustained compound fractures, and began splinting them. Duranwernet stabilized the man’s neck and spine, and kept him calm until a rescue helicopter arrived. Elliot used the airman’s phone to notify his command of the accident, and then accompanied him on the helicopter as it took him to Okinawa Naval Hospital.
The airman, whose name is being withheld as a courtesy to his family, is expected to make a full recovery.
Harris believes their actions at the least saved the victim’s arm from amputation, and probably are responsible for him being alive.