Marine sergeant rescues woman from burning car crash in New Jersey

Marine Sgt. Andrew Gomez recently received the Department of the Navy’s highest non-combat award for his help in rescuing a woman from the scene of a burning car crash in New Jersey, according to a news release from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, where Gomez is stationed.

Gomez was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal last month. He served in the Marine Corps for more than nine years and is currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 49, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing.

“Even though I don’t consider myself a hero, I’m glad I was one for someone on what was probably the worst day of their life,” Gomez said in the news story. “My mom taught me that life isn’t about us. She’s passionate about being good to others, so I think that rubbed off on me.”

On June 19, 2023, Gomez was driving back to base from Philadelphia when he encountered the car accident.

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“While driving, I saw smoke coming from the woods and a car fire starting on I-295,” Gomez said. “I saw no visible responders on the scene and felt a calling to stop and render aid.”

Gomez got out of his car and ventured to the scene of the crash. It was clear that the car had left the road and struck a tree. The driver appeared to have suffered neck injuries while a woman lay next to the vehicle, apparently unable to move.

The Marine immediately ran to the woman and picked her up. Another passerby helped him pull her away from the burning car.

“Her injuries were severe, but she didn’t appear to be in immediate danger of dying before emergency responders arrived,” Gomez said. “We moved her to the edge of the highway and I decided to move her again in case the vehicle exploded.”

Gomez returned to check on the driver, who was unresponsive. An Air Force official told Task & Purpose Thursday that the driver did not survive the crash.

Emergency responders arrived quickly and extinguished the car fire. Gomez said he believes the woman may not have survived if he had not moved her, as emergency responders may not have been able to reach her in time.

The woman and her family have since built a bond with Gomez, who has been invited to barbecues and birthday parties since the crash.

Gomez credited his quick response to the crisis with the values ​​he learned from both the Marine Corps and his mother. His Marine training also prepared him to run toward danger and save lives, he said.

“This remarkable act of valor is a testament to the courage and selflessness that characterize the men and women who serve in our Marine Corps,” Maj. Gen. John Kelliher III, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general, said in the news release. “Sgt. Gomez’s courageous actions are undoubtedly worthy of one of our highest honors, demonstrating that Marines and others like him can be called upon to respond in times of crisis.”

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