JACKSONVILLE, N.C. - It was just like any football game, the crowd was cheering for the home team, but then a man collapsed. While most of the bystanders were panicking and running around, one man kept his cool, Sgt. Ty M. Baker Jr.
Baker is an auto maintenance technician with 2nd Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, was with his family at a local high school football game in Jacksonville, N.C., Sept. 27, when his son asked if they could go to the opposite bleachers.
Upon reaching the bleachers, people were panicking after a man collapsed. Baker rushed to the man’s aide, moving him to a flat surface and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The next day the man underwent a triple bypass surgery on his
heart.
“To know that man is alive and will be able to continue to spend time with his children and grandchildren is the best feeling,” said Baker.
Wayne Allen, the man who was saved, is a local who is well known and liked by many and said that there was an instant bond between Baker and himself because Baker saved his life.
“He made it possible for me to be here tonight and for the rest
of my life,” said Allen.
Baker was awarded certificates of commendation from the mayor of Jacksonville, a plaque from the Jacksonville Senior High School booster club and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
“I was extremely proud of Sgt. Baker’s actions,” said 1st Lt. Joseph Strumolo, the company commander of General Support Maintenance Co., 2nd Maintenance Bn., 2nd MLG. “If it had not been for his quick response and dedication in continuing CPR Mr. Allen would have died.”