Soldier receives recognition after delivering baby at gate

Photo By Lindsey Kibler | Douglas, Ariz., native Pvt. Marvin Frisby (right) poses with Maj. Gen. Stephen R. Lanza, commanding general of the 7th Infantry Division, outside the division headquarters, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Aug. 2, after Lanza presented him with a Bayonet Soldier of the Month certificate and commander's coin for his actions March, 27, 2013. Frisby, with the 2nd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, was on gate guard duty at the Madigan Gate entrance to JBLM, when a women in labor was driving through. Realizing that there was not enough time to get her to Madigan Army Medical Center, Frisby helped the woman to deliver the baby at the gate. However, Frisby soon realized the umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby's neck; he immediately repositioned the child in order to allow the baby to breathe. "This is a great exmaple of a Soldier who was able to remain calm, despite the pressure of the situation, and do what he needed to do to ensure the safety of the baby and mother," Lanza said. "He helped give life, and for that we [7th Infantry Division leadership] are extremely proud."  

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA, UNITED STATES

08.02.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. Lindsey Kibler 

7th Infantry Division

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - Douglas, Ariz., native Pvt. Marvin Frisby was recognized by Maj. Gen. Stephen R. Lanza, commanding general of the 7th Infantry Division, and the division's command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Delbert Byers, outside the division headquarters, Aug. 2, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

Frisby was named the Bayonet Soldier of the Month and presented a certificate and commander's coin for his actions March, 27, 2013.

Frisby, with the 2nd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, was on gate guard duty at the Madigan Gate entrance to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, when a women in labor was driving through. Realizing that there was not enough time to get her to Madigan Army Medical Center, Frisby helped the woman deliver the baby at the gate. Frisby soon realized the umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby's neck; he immediately repositioned the child in order to allow the baby to breathe. Lanza and Byers commended Frisby's exceptional performance.

"Your resourcefulness and quick-thinking helped deliver a newborn baby inside the confines of a vehicle at Madigan Gate. Your attention to detail, despite the heavy pressure bestowed upon you to deliver the baby without adequate medical equipment and staff, was pristine. Your decision to reposition the child to unwrap the umbilical cord was truly remarkable, and ultimately, a life-saving measure. Because of your actions, the child is in good health," Byers read, as Lanza presented Frisby his plaque.

"This was one time I went home after work and felt really good about what had transpired that day," Frisby said.

• Date Taken: 08.02.2013
• Date Posted: 08.07.2013 15:55
• Story ID: 111518
• Location: JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA, US
• Hometown: DOUGLAS, AZ, US