Photo By Senior Airman Matt Porter | U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Andrew Gomez, Marine Aircraft Group 49 aviation supply...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. — One fateful evening, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Andrew Gomez, an aviation supply specialist stationed at Marine Aircraft Group-49, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, sprang into action during a routine drive back to base. The Marine, who has served for more than nine years, intervened in a dramatic rescue by pulling a woman to safety from a burning car off Interstate Highway 295.
"This was the night of June 19, 2023, and I was on my way back to base after having dinner in Philadelphia with a friend," Gomez said. "While driving, I noticed smoke billowing from the woods and a car fire beginning on I-295, I saw no visible first responders on scene and felt a calling to pull over and render aid."
Gomez described the scene as nothing short of chaotic. The vehicle veered off the highway, crashed through thick brush and ultimately collided with a tree. The driver appeared to have sustained severe neck injuries, and a woman lay on the ground beside the car, unable to move.
Without hesitation, he rushed to her aid.
"I ran towards her, picked her up and another bystander began to help me," Gomez said. "Her injuries were severe, but she didn’t seem in immediate risk of dying before first responders arrived. We brought her to the edge of the highway, and I decided to move her again in case the vehicle exploded."
Gomez attempted to check on the driver, but there was no response. Soon after, first responders arrived and took over, extinguishing the flames and securing the scene. Despite the first responder’s timely arrival, Gomez believes his intervention was crucial in saving the woman's life.
“If I hadn’t intervened, I don’t think the first responders could have reached her in time,” Gomez said.
Since the incident, Gomez has maintained contact with the rescued passenger’s family, who have expressed profound gratitude for their daughter’s life being saved. Gomez has even been invited to family cookouts and attended a birthday celebration following the incident.
“What Andrew did for me was more than heroic,” said the rescued passenger. “I'm beyond grateful for his actions on my behalf that night in the woods off the I-295. Without him, I most likely would not be here right now.”
Gomez was later given the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his selfless actions, which is the highest non-combat decoration awarded for heroism by the Department of the Navy.
Reflecting on receiving the commendation for his actions, Gomez explained that he finds the honor surreal. He said he attributes his quick response to the leadership he has observed throughout his Marine Corps career, the values instilled by the USMC and those of his mother.
"While I don’t see myself as a hero, I am happy to have been that for someone on what was probably the worst day of their life,” Gomez said.
"My mom taught me that life isn’t about us. She is passionate about being good to others, so I think some of that rubbed off on me." Gomez continues to serve with pride at Marine Aircraft Group 49 on JBMDL. Driven by a desire to live a disciplined and purposeful life, he enlisted in the USMC knowing it would offer the profound change he sought after.
He is adamant that the values and training provided to him by the USMC prepared him for this situation and any other that requires men and women of action; insisting the USMC creates quality citizens from America’s sons and daughters.
“This remarkable act of bravery stands as a testament to the courage and selflessness that define the men and women serving in our Marine Corps,” said Maj. Gen. John Kelliher III, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general. “The valiant actions displayed by Sgt. Gomez unquestionably merits one of our highest honors, demonstrating that Marines and others like him can be called upon to respond in times of crisis.”
| Date Taken: | 09.12.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 09.12.2024 10:31 |
| Story ID: | 480661 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NEW JERSEY, US |
| Web Views: | 82 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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