Photo By Lance Cpl. Erica Padgett | U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Malikah Warren, 2nd Distribution Support Battalion, 2nd Marine...... read more read more
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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Two Marines assigned to the Onslow Beach Marine Detachment were awarded the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award at Onslow Beach on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 16, 2025.
Cpl. Zbigniew Adamczyk, aircraft avionics technician, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron (VMMT-204), Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Cpl. Malikah Warren, motor vehicle operator, 2nd Distribution Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, both assigned to the Onslow Beach Marine Detachment this summer, were recognized for saving the life of a beachgoer earlier this year.
What began as a routine day on duty quickly turned into a fight for life when Adamczyk and Warren responded to a call for an unresponsive woman last summer. Their rapid actions, professionalism and teamwork earned them the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award, one of the highest honors the organization bestows on an individual who saves or sustains a life using American Red Cross training.
For Adamczyk, the moment everything changed came when a young boy approached his stand and told him his grandmother wasn’t responding.
“The victim’s grandson came up to me and said his grandmother was unresponsive on the beach,” Adamczyk recalled. “While assessing the situation, I knew I had to act immediately and begin lifesaving steps.”
Across the beach, Warren heard the urgency in Adamczyk’s voice over the radio: “Rescue, rescue, rescue.” That was all he needed to hear. “The only thing going through my head was what needs to be done at this time,” Warren said.
Both Marines credit their American Red Cross lifeguard training, reinforced by the discipline and composure instilled by the Marine Corps, for preparing them to respond without hesitation.
“All of the training we learned from our instructors helped, mainly the oxygen,” Warren said.
Adamczyk shared that same perspective: “Red Cross training helped me understand how to properly provide lifesaving care and administer emergency oxygen in a timely manner.”
When they reached the victim, the Marines immediately began administering emergency oxygen and moved her into the shade. Warren quickly realized the adult mask wasn’t delivering oxygen properly. Thinking fast, he improvised. He took the tube off the child's mask and applied it to the adult mask, and it started to work. Moments later, the victim began to regain responsiveness.
“As soon as that oxygen started working, she started to come back almost immediately,” Warren said. “It felt great to know I saved somebody’s mother or family member.”
Adamczyk emphasized that the rescue was not the work of two Marines alone. “Teamwork was essential,” Adamczyk said. “While I was relaying back to the tower and other lifeguards, Cpl. Warren and the rest of the team were on site immediately. Our team’s knowledge, determination and proficiency made it seamless to coordinate.”
Warren agreed. “There wasn’t anyone just standing still or watching. Everyone knew exactly what needed to be done to save that woman’s life.”
When the Marines later learned they would receive the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award, both expressed humility. “It was a surprise to me and felt very rewarding,” Warren said.
Adamczyk added, “I was honored, but the rest of the team cannot go unnoticed. Without them responding immediately and the high-quality training from our instructors, none of this would have been possible.”
Speaking on the significance of the award from the organization’s perspective, Lauren Bolen, the interim director of the American Red Cross said, “It's a tremendous honor because it’s important to highlight the value of taking a Red Cross lifesaving class.” She added, “You never know when those skills are going to come in handy, and the more people we can get trained, the more lives we can save.”
Neither Marine considers their actions heroic.
“My actions were exactly what was expected of me as a Corporal of Marines and a lead lifeguard,” Warren said.
Adamczyk shared the same view, “I do not feel that my actions were heroic. I have full confidence that any Marine on our team would have responded appropriately.”
Both Marines say the experience reinforced the importance of vigilance, on duty or off. “Do not get complacent,” Warren said.
“You never know when or what can happen. Take the training seriously.”
Adamczyk added, “You must be ready and prepared to respond to any situation because every second counts.”
For Warren, the moment also carried personal weight. “The actions I made were exactly what was expected out of me as a father, a brother and a son,” he said. “If one of my family members or brothers in arms was in that predicament, I’d know exactly how to save them.”
Both Marines hope others, whether lifeguards, Marines, or civilians, take away a simple lesson: readiness saves lives.
“Anyone can do it,” Warren said. “Trust your instincts, remember your training, and never get overwhelmed.”
Their actions serve as a reminder that preparedness, training and courage can make all the difference when seconds matter.
| Date Taken: | 12.16.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 12.22.2025 13:28 |
| Story ID: | 555108 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 28 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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