Marine Captain Honored for Heroism in Deadly Osprey Crash

In a gripping tale of bravery, Capt. Joshua C. Watson emerged as a beacon of hope, rescuing his fellow Marines from the smoldering wreckage of a catastrophic MV-22 Osprey crash in Australia. His extraordinary act of heroism was recognized with the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the pinnacle of non-combat valor awards. On August 23, 2023, a tragic crash took the lives of three crew members; however, Watson's quick thinking ensured the survival of many others.

As the Osprey descended rapidly, having just evaded a catastrophic mid-air collision, Watson commanded his Marines to brace themselves for the impending impact. As the aircraft crashed to the earth and erupted in flames, he swiftly gathered his team, commanding them to evacuate without hesitation. In the thick of swirling smoke and encroaching flames, Watson's instincts kicked in as he spotted a Marine lying motionless. With urgency, he shook him awake, urging him toward the safety of the exit. In the midst of his own suffering from a broken ankle, he bravely combed through the fiery debris, determined to leave no one behind.

In the open air, Watson meticulously gathered his Marines, orchestrating the search for those who had yet to be found. Though every member of Lima Company was swiftly located, the pilots and a crew chief met with a heartbreaking fate. Subsequent accounts unveiled the courageous act of Cpl. Spencer R. Collart, who bravely returned to the cockpit in a desperate bid to rescue the pilots, ultimately giving his life in the endeavor. Collart received the same medal as Watson after his passing, a tribute to his courageous and selfless acts.

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