Photo By Staff Sgt. Richard Wrigley | Spc. Nathan Currie, an explosive ordnance disposal specialist, with the 756th...... read more read more
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FORT STEWART, Ga. -- It was a calm peaceful morning, and Lora Chancey was driving home. Suddenly two deer were in front of her, appearing seemingly out of nowhere. She swerved to miss them, the lives of the deer were saved, yet the drastic measure she took caused her to crash into a pond and flip over into the deep water. Her life was no longer so certain.
This, the scene of an accident according to Chancey, was also a scene of great heroism and bravery.
Spc. Nathan Currie, an explosive ordnance disposal specialist, with the 756th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, was awarded the Soldier's Medal, here at Club Stewart, Feb. 26.
Currie was awarded the medal for his heroic actions at the scene of the accident last August.
“I heard a splash behind me, I noticed the car had entered the water, so I rushed to the scene,” explained Currie.
Before the accident occurred, Currie was simply enjoying a relaxing morning, fishing in Holbrook Pond.
According to Currie, it was his training in the EOD that provided him the quick reflexes and ability to react calmly under pressure.
Currie rushed to the scene and proceeded to dive in, pull Chancey out, and once getting her to shore, revive her by performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
“I was just doing what I would want someone else to do if I was in that situation,” said Currie.
Chancey explained that she has some short-term memory loss from the ordeal, yet it seems she will never forget her rescuer.
“He’ll be a lifetime friend…he’s just a great man…he’s my hero,” said Chancey.
The ceremony was befitting such heroic actions, and the speech of Brig. Gen. James Blackburn, commander, Task Force Marne, 3rd Infantry Division, was just as appropriate. He started by explaining the significance of the Soldier’s Medal.
“In the military, there are multiple awards to recognize acts of valor, but most of those are limited specifically to combat operations,” said Blackburn. “In situations of demonstrated heroism outside of combat, the Soldier’s Medal is the highest award that can be presented.
“It is reserved for distinguished acts of bravery, without regard for one’s own safety.”
And that, Blackburn explained, is exactly what happened one August morning when a Soldier chose to act instead of hanging back and playing it safe.
“In today’s society too many people stand back, look to see how others will react before reacting themselves,” said Blackburn. “Fortunately we are blessed to still have heroes like Spc. Currie.”
| Date Taken: | 02.27.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 02.28.2015 00:12 |
| Story ID: | 155619 |
| Location: | FORT STEWART, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 2,380 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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