First Lieutenant Erik LeMoine receives commendation medal for rescuing drowning Marine in Darwin

‘I’m just glad to have been in the right place at the right time’: While enjoying an off-duty swimming session, First Lieutenant Erik LeMoine leapt into action when he saw a comrade lying motionless on the pool floor.

First Lieutenant Erik LeMoine has retold the story of how he saved a Marine from drowning at Robertson Barracks. Picture: Harry Brill.

A Darwin-based US Marine has been awarded a commendation medal for heroically pulling an unresponsive comrade from the bottom of a pool, saving his life.

On May 17, 2024, Nebraskan native First Lieutenant Erik LeMoine was training in the Robertson Barracks swimming pool when he noticed a “dark blob” in the corner of his eye.

After swimming over, the officer realised it was a fellow Marine, lying motionless at the bottom of the pool.

“I just dived down and smacked him on the arm to see if was doing some breath holding exercise or if he was in trouble,” he told this masthead.

“When I didn’t get an immediate response, I grabbed him, brought him to the surface and called some of the other Marines to help me pull him out.”

Lieutenant LeMoine started CPR when he could not “see any signs of breathing or pulse”.

“A couple of the other Marines helped out by calling emergency services as well as switching out with CPR when we got tired.”

The Robertson Barracks pool, where Lieutenant LeMoine leapt into action. Picture: Harry Brill.

Lieutenant LeMoine said it took “about 30 or 40 minutes” for emergency services to take over.

“I wasn’t focused on anything or anyone else – my mind went blank and I was just focused on the Marine and what I was doing – nothing else.”

When Lieutenant LeMoine later visited the young Marine in hospital, an American family sitting bedside queried who he was.

After revealing his role in rescue, the enormity of Lieutenant LeMoine’s actions was made very clear to him.

“His dad immediately grabbed me, hugged me,” he said.

“Naturally, as a parent, you’re very grateful for the person who helped out your child and I was just at the right place at the right time.

“By the grace of God, I was at the pool when someone needed help and I was just glad to be there and be part of that.”

Lieutenant LeMoine received a commendation medal for his heroic actions. Picture: Harry Brill.

Such was Lieutenant LeMoine’s actions, the supply officer received a commendation medal last week.

However, having served in the Marine Corps for 15 years, Lieutenant LeMoine said he was shy of plaudits, preferring to work “behind the scenes”.

“Awards are awards – you don’t do what you do to get awards,” he said.

“Part of our job in the military is to fight battles, but also to look after each other.

“Especially as an officer – I kind of feel more compelled to make sure that I’m looking after people and keeping my head on a swivel.”

In line with his humble character, Lieutenant LeMoine finished the interview on another selfless note.

“Again I’m just glad to have been in the right place at the right time.”

Originally published as First Lieutenant Erik LeMoine receives commendation medal for rescuing drowning Marine in Darwin