Skip to content
22 D-Marines

22 D-Marines

  • Home
  • Marine corps
  • Marine community
  • Marine works
  • Marine market
  • Marine loan
  • Home
  • Marine corps
  • Pendleton Marine awarded for saving lives > United States Marine Corps Flagship > News Display
  • Marine corps

Pendleton Marine awarded for saving lives > United States Marine Corps Flagship > News Display

Tori J. Ross July 5, 2022 3 min read
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. —

U.S. Navy Gunnery Sgt. Kyle Wetter, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the gunnery training division with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, received the Navy Medal and of the Marine Corps, June 30, by Brig. General Jason Woodworth, Commanding General of MCI-West, MCB Camp Pendleton, for the heroism he displayed in December 2020 when he rescued a family from a burning vehicle.

“The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is the only medal you can earn in the entire Department of the Navy for acts of heroism without being in combat,” Woodworth said at the ceremony.

In December 2020, Wetter was on what he thought was a typical ride home when he witnessed gasoline dropping from a nearby truck. The can got lodged under the car in front of him – the Hurley family car. Sparks started flying under the car and a fire immediately broke out.

“Immediately I was like I had to help them in any way I could.” Artillery Sergeant. Kyle Wetter, SNCO Marksmanship Training Division Manager

“All I could think about at first was what happened?” said Wetter. “Immediately I was like I had to help them in any way I could.”

The car’s driver, Anthony Hurley, slammed the brakes and pulled to a stop, forcing Wetter to do the same. Wetter ran to the car and began to analyze the situation. The fire extinguisher Wetter brought with him from his vehicle was no match for the fire, which at this point had too much fuel.

Hurley and his wife had already escaped from the burning car, but were unable to get their young daughter out of her car seat. The father, Anthony, was already trying to get the child out without success. At that point, Wetter got into the burning car and tried to unbuckle the seat belt, but to no avail. He then grabbed his pocket knife and pulled the child out of the car seat.

front and center
Photo by Lance Cpl. Andre Cortez

U.S. Navy Gunnery Sgt. Kyle Wetter, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the firearms training division with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, waits to receive a medal from Marine and of Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Jason Woodworth and Sgt. Maj. Matthew Hackett, commanding general and sergeant major of MCI-West, MCB Camp Pendleton, during an awards ceremony at Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 30, 2022. Wetter was awarded for heroism qu posted in December 2020 to save a family when he saw a car catch fire on the side of a road while driving home. Wetter climbed into the backseat of the burning car and used a pocket knife to free a child from his car seat.

Wetter’s entire unit attended his ceremony, along with his friends and family. More importantly for Wetter, the Hurleys were also there to see him receive the Marine Corps‘ highest non-combat honor for his heroism.

“All I can say is I’m glad he was there that day because he saved our firstborn,” said Anthony Hurley. “She wouldn’t be here today if not for her heroic actions.”

Continue Reading

Previous: Local wife proud of her husband serving in the Marine Corps
Next: DVIDS – News – Stiles Takes Command of OICC Marine Corps Marianas

Related Stories

Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment to play Cary High
2 min read
  • Marine corps

Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment to play Cary High

July 29, 2022
Marine Corps vet recalls fulfilling duty to serve at Porter County Fair – Chicago Tribune
4 min read
  • Marine corps

Marine Corps vet recalls fulfilling duty to serve at Porter County Fair – Chicago Tribune

July 28, 2022
Marine Corps Detachment Fort Leonard Wood bids farewell to Long and welcomes Redden during change of command ceremony | Article
  • Marine corps

Marine Corps Detachment Fort Leonard Wood bids farewell to Long and welcomes Redden during change of command ceremony | Article

July 25, 2022

Recent Posts

  • Cash Loans

  • Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment to play Cary High

  • 7 Questions on the Maritime Market with Howard Kingston of Zurich: Risk and Insurance

  • Marine Corps vet recalls fulfilling duty to serve at Porter County Fair – Chicago Tribune

  • Marine Corps Detachment Fort Leonard Wood bids farewell to Long and welcomes Redden during change of command ceremony | Article

  • US Marine Corps Halts New ACV Tank Operations Amid Pendleton Incident

active duty air force corps base high school long term marine corps north america north carolina press release san diego service members states marine toys tots united states world war

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions