Photo By Lance Cpl. Chandler Evans | U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Paul Cordes, commanding officer of Marine Aerial Refueler...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii – U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Garrett A. Sloan, a KC-130J fixed-wing aircraft loadmaster with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 153, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal in recognition of his heroic actions and courage in a life-threatening situation while outside of duty.
The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal recognizes service members who distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. The award is for acts or services accomplished in a manner that is significantly above what is normally expected and sufficient to distinguish the individual from others performing similar duties.
Growing up in Eagar, Arizona, and Huntington, Indiana, Sloan attended Round Valley High School before graduating from Huntington North High School in 2021. The son of Dale Sloan and Trisha Bousman, he felt a calling to serve something greater than himself.
“I joined the Marine Corps to serve my country and make a difference in the world,” said Sloan. “I wanted to be part of something bigger than me.”
On Jan. 2, 2024, while off duty at Makapu'u Beach Park on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, Sloan observed two children struggling in the water amid hazardous surf conditions caused by strong winds, large waves, and dangerous rip currents. Recognizing the severity of the situation, he immediately moved to assist.
Upon reaching the children, who were visibly fatigued, Sloan learned they were caught in a rip current. Acting decisively, he used his bodyboard as a flotation device and instructed the children to hold on while he maneuvered them out of the current by swimming perpendicular to the flow of water. Battling rough surf and strong currents, Sloan guided the children to within approximately 20 yards of shore, where lifeguards met them and safely returned them to their parents.
“Sgt. Sloan demonstrated exceptional courage and a bias for action in a dangerous and unpredictable environment,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Jacques Mason, a Fixed-Wing Aircraft Flight Engineer with VMGR-153. “His actions directly contributed to saving the lives of two children.”
Sloan’s ability to recognize the rip current, combined with his water survival knowledge from annual water safety trainings and willingness to place himself at risk, proved critical in preventing a potential tragedy in an area known for hazardous ocean conditions.
Now, nearing five years of honorable service, Sloan is a recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.
“To step in and help others when it matters most, that’s what being a Marine is about,” said Sloan. “You don’t hesitate.”
| Date Taken: | 03.30.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 04.01.2026 15:34 |
| Story ID: | 561765 |
| Location: | KANEOHE, HAWAII, US |
| Hometown: | EAGAR, ARIZONA, US |
| Hometown: | HUNTINGTON, INDIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 21 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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