MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Three Marines from the Provost Marshal's Office rescued a six-year-old Japanese boy from drowning, July 18, at approximately 5 p.m. at the Kintai Bridge river shore.
Sgts. Mitchell B. Jones and Shaun C. Wood, and Cpl. Randy D. Bocchi were barbecuing near the bridge when they heard a commotion downstream.
"We heard screaming and yelling," said Jones. "We stood up and went over to investigate and were confronted by a Japanese woman of around 50 who said in broken English, 'six-year-old in water.'"
The three Marines jumped into the river and spread out to search for the missing child.
"We didn't know where to go," said Wood. "We fanned out and tried to search as much area as possible."
"We swam across the river and back again," Jones said. "Sgt. Wood noticed an old man on the other side of the river who had jumped in. Sgt. Wood got my attention and I saw the old man lift the child out of the water, however he was being dragged down by the very strong current."
Jones and Bocchi swam back across the river to the old man. Jones took the child in his arms while Bocchi stabilized his neck as they ran to the Emergency Medical Responders waiting for them on the shore.
After rescuing the boy, Jones went back to help the old man who was still in the river and unable to walk. The man was also delivered to the medical personnel.
"I guess we were just at the right place at the right time," said Wood. "I'm happy that we were there to help out."
Wood said they would have been able to respond faster if they had understood the language.
"We did what we had to do," said Jones. "The undertow was nasty. It pulled myself and Sgt. Wood under, but we did what we had to do."
The Marines were questioned by the Japanese police and thanked by the boy's family.
All three Marines received Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Friday.
2nd. Lt. Andrew Curran, Station deputy provost marshal, said the Marines' actions were both heroic and influential in spreading good will to the local community.
"The spontaneous actions of these brave Marines helped strengthen our commitment and resolve to our host country," said Curran.
"It helped to bridge the gap between our two countries and solidified our dedication to work together."