Sgt. Brendan Bartholome Awarded NAM For Saving Fellow Marine
by U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Duncan McClain
August 23, 2024

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brendan Bartholome, a small craft mechanic with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his actions in saving the life of another Marine from a car crash in Okinawa, Japan.

Bartholome had just finished an evening physical training session outside of the 3d Recon Command Post aboard Camp Schwab on August 5, 2024, when he heard a car swerve, turning just in time to see the vehicle collide with a concrete structure.

“My first thought when I walked up the hill and saw the car aflame was to run over to it,” said Bartholome.

After the crash, the Marine in the front passenger seat was able to exit the vehicle on their own. Bartholome approached the crash and could see that the driver was unconscious in their seat.

“I didn’t really know what to think. I’d never seen anything like that before. At first, I didn’t know what I was going to do, but immediately I realized that my priority was to get the guy away from it while everyone else ran for fire extinguishers,” said Bartholome. “I couldn’t get the (driver’s) door open, so I’m tapping on the window. He wakes up and opens his door, just barely, so I’m able to pull him out.”

The driver was removed from the vehicle as it began to catch fire, saving the driver’s life through his quick thinking and bias for action- the hallmarks of a Marine.

This award is not the first time Bartholome has been acknowledged for his exemplary actions. In May of 2024, he was meritoriously promoted to sergeant and placed in a leadership role within his section. He says his leadership style is focused on caring for his Marines, being a leader they can trust and confide in to prioritize their well-being so that they can focus on accomplishing their mission while knowing he has their best interests in mind.

“Whenever there is a problem, they’re bringing it to me. No matter what it is, they can bring it to me for help,” said Bartholome.

Bartholome is preparing to head to his next duty station as a small craft mechanic chief with Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific at Naval Base Coronado, California, where Marines and NATO members learn tactics, techniques, and doctrine for expeditionary forces. He says the skills he learned at 3d Recon, with its high operational tempo and complex mission set, inspires him to pursue challenges at similar units across the Marine Corps to seek personal and leadership growth. He is also completing college courses online with the goal of commissioning as a Marine Corps officer after receiving his bachelor’s degree.

Bartholome was given his award by the Commanding Officer of 3d Recon, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Brewer, and was later also recognized for his heroic actions by the 3d Marine Division Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Christian Wortman.

“You often hear of these incidents when a young Marine or Sailor shows bravery in the face of danger,” said Lt. Col. Brewer. “I was amazed at his calmness and his ability to keep his wits from start to finish in how he approached the vehicle, assessed the situation, and then unhesitatingly pulled the unconscious driver out of the burning car. It’s something I never will forget.”

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