Blue Angels Marine Earns Highest Noncombat Heroism Medal for Saving Lives [Image 1 of 3]

PENSACOLA, FL, UNITED STATES

09.07.2021

Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Cody Deccio 

Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron

210907-N-MH057-019 PENSACOLA, Fla. (September 7, 2021) Sgt. Zachary Parsons, currently serving with the Blue Angels flight demonstration team, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his actions which directly resulted in the saving of three lives. The medal is the sea services' highest award for acts of heroism that didn't involve conflict with an enemy force. Sgt. Parsons was presented the award by the Blue Angels commanding officer and flight lead, Capt. Brian Kesselring, in front of the squadron and his family. On May 26th, 2019, two North Carolina parents came face-to-face with one of the worst things imaginable for any mother or father. The family of five, wanting to take advantage of the beautiful weather, decided to spend the day at the beach. Unaware of the dangerous high surf and rip current, the three children found themselves pulled almost 150 meters from the shore line. Running to help the children, the father found himself overwhelmed by the surf and called for help. Sgt. Parsons, who had been spending the day at the beach, heard the father’s call and immediately jumped into action. He directed his wife to call 911 and made his way to the shore line. Parsons grabbed a nearby boogie board and without hesitation began making his way to the children. With the help of one other bystander, he began shuttling the children back to safety and into the arms of emergency services, who arrived shortly after. Sgt. Parsons’ heroism that day serves as a testament to the deep-rooted desire to serve and protect that represent the core values of the United States Military. Today, Parsons serves with the C-130J maintenance team, ensuring the Blue Angels’ Super Hercules is mission ready and prepared for its fast paced work environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cody Deccio)

• Date Taken: 09.07.2021
• Date Posted: 09.07.2021 16:54
• Photo ID: 6821598
• VIRIN: 210907-N-MH057-019
• Resolution: 4238x3027
• Size: 1.48 MB
• Location: PENSACOLA, FL, US