Twentynine Palms Marine sergeant honored for saving buddy
A Marine sergeant at Twentynine Palms is set today to receive one of the military's highest honors for heroism for saving the life of a buddy during a training accident.
Sgt. Christopher Phinney was serving as a tank commander June 19, 2008, when a round misfired, spilling explosive propellant throughout the M1 Abrams tank. Phinney, 25, of Cumberland, Maine, immediately ordered Marines to evacuate. As the tank burst into flames, one Marine was trapped inside.
"Without hesitation or thought of self-preservation, Sgt. Phinney reached back through the flames to free his gunner," according to the official citation awarding Phinney the Navy and Marine Corps Medal.
An explosion blasted Phinney 8 feet off the tank. Despite his injuries, he led his Marines away from the burning tank.
After recovering from his injuries, Phinney deployed to Iraq where he received two achivement awards.
The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is awarded for non-combat bravery involving risk of death to save others. Among past recipients was Navy Lt. John F. Kennedy for actions involving PT-109.
-- Tony Perry in San Diego
Photo: Sgt. Christopher Phinney. Credit: Marine Corps
He is a MARINE, one of the best
Frank T.
Las Cruces NM
Posted by: FTK1945 | June 18, 2009 at 10:15 AM