MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- After rescuing two men who crashed a single-engine plane in Oceanside Jan. 24, one of Pendleton’s own was recognized by Oceanside’s Police Department April 8.
Sgt. Joshua C. Arnett, combat instructor, School of Infantry West, Camp Pendleton, received the City of Oceanside’s Distinguished Community Service Award for his heroic actions.
“The actions Sgt. Arnett displayed reflect highly upon himself and the United States Marine Corps,” said Frank S. McCoy, chief of police, OPD. “His selfless service is in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service.”
On the morning of Jan. 24, two pilots with the California Flight Academy overshot the runway at Oceanside’s Municipal Airport while attempting to land. Their four-seat Cessna then slammed into a utility pole and simultaneously struck a nearby sewage pipe, erupting 25,000 gallons of sludge.
“My wife and I were traveling down Mission Avenue to get my haircut when we heard the plane hit,” Arnett said. “I immediately pulled my car over and told my wife to call 911.”
Arnett and another bystander were the first to respond to the crash site and pulled the first victim out with little trouble.
“I ran over to the other victim and tried to pull him out but he was stuck between the plane and the pole that he crashed into,” Arnett said.
The second victim had sustained major injuries including the loss of his hand and was bleeding profusely. Without hesitation, Arnett took off his belt and applied a tourniquet to the victim’s arm. He then removed his shirt and used it as a pressure bandage to stop the bleeding.
Arnett did all of this without regard to his own safety, in order to protect and preserve the lives of the people onboard the aircraft, said McCoy.
“The possibility of igniting fuel, collapsing poles and falling power cables made this life-threatening situation very real,” said Police Lt. Joe Young, Special Enforcement Section, OPD. “Standing in sewage up to his knees throughout the whole ordeal, makes Sgt. Arnett’s actions all the more commendable.”
Arnett stayed at the victim’s side until emergency crews responded. Medical staff then instructed the young sergeant to head home to wash off the raw sewage and blood.
“Sgt. Arnett displayed what it is to be a Marine, the defender of this nation,” said Capt. Robert M. Jones, Arnett’s unit team leader, Mobile Training Company, SOI West. “He is a leader in which all Marines should look up to.”
More than 150 guests and 70 officers honored the Pendleton Marine at the Beach Community Center in Oceanside with a luncheon, plaque and standing ovation.
“There were many people who played a role in that accident including my wife,” said Arnett. “I was just in the right place at the right time.”