Photo By Cpl. Monica Erickson | Sgt. Christopher Phinney, who served as a tank commander with Company B, 1st Tank...... read more read more
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"I heard the round drop to the ground and I knew it was bad news," said Sgt. Christopher Phinney, describing that harrowing night while conducting M1A1 main battle tank training when things started going bad and years of training kicked in at Range 500 on June 19, 2008.
Phinney, 25, was a tank commander with Company B, 1st Tank Battalion, when a charged main-gun round burst and spilled explosive propellant inside his tank endangering him and his team.
Phinney quickly ordered his team to exit the tank before the propellant caught on fire, but within seconds the propellant had ignited, and Phinney realized his gunner, Lance Cpl. Jacob Tabora was trapped inside.
"I just reacted," said the Auburn, Maine native. "We rehearsed scenarios like that often. I just did my job."
Phinney, without thought of his own safety, reached through the flames to help free his trapped gunner from the blaze. Phinney sustained severe injuries from the burning tank, but still picked himself up and led his team, including Tabora, to safety. Tabora sustained third degree burns over the majority of his body and underwent one of many reconstructive surgeries the morning of the award ceremony, is recovering from his burns at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Phinney's father, David Phinney traveled from Maine to attend the award ceremony.
"This was a tough situation for the family," said David Phinney. "That was the worst phone call I had ever received at home; hearing that your son was injured in a training accident."
For his bravery and quick actions during the training accident, Phinney was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the second highest non-combative medal awarded by the Department of the Navy for sailors or Marines who distinguish themselves through heroism and bravery during an act of lifesaving.
"I was shocked, but very proud of my son," David said. "He deserved this recognition. He has accomplished so much while in the Marines."
After presenting the award, Lt. Col. Thomas Gordon, the 1st Tank Battalion commanding officer, emphasized Phinneys accomplishments in addition to saving Tabora's life last June.
"When there is a fire people will run away," Gordon said. "But if required,
Marines will run in. I hope that we all would have Sgt. Phinney's courage and run into the fire.
"He recovered from his injuries, deployed to Iraq, received two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals during and after this last deployment," Gordon said. "He had one NAM when he arrived at the battalion--four personal awards in one enlistment; Sgt Phinney is just an outstanding Marine!"
| Date Taken: | 06.25.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 06.25.2009 19:20 |
| Story ID: | 35631 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 517 |
| Downloads: | 147 |
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