Marine To Receive Posthumous Honor After Osprey Crash

If you needed a reminder that real heroes walk amongst us, you’ll find few more poignant than the story of Cpl. Spencer Collart. In a time when “bravery” is often thrown around far too casually, Collart’s actions define the word. So stick around and get the skinny on why this 21-year-old Marine from Arlington, Virginia is getting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal – the highest non-combat honor the services bestow.

A Fiery Tragedy in Australia

The tragic event took place on August 27, 2023, during a military exercise in Australia. Collart, along with three fellow Marines, was aboard a Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey when disaster struck. The aircraft went down in a fiery crash that claimed the lives of Collart, Capt. Eleanor LeBeau, and Maj. Tobin Lewis. According to the official Marine Corps investigation, Collart managed to escape the burning wreckage.

Cpl. Spencer Collart, who died last August trying to rescue two fellow Marines from a fiery Osprey crash in Australia, will be posthumously honored with the service’s highest noncombat award: the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. https://t.co/dj700MfHVx

— Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) August 13, 2024

The Heroic Act

In moments that would paralyze most with fear, Spencer Collart revealed his true character. Despite having a chance to save himself, he reentered the burning cockpit in an attempt to save the trapped pilots. Tragically, he lost his life trying to save those lives.

A Young Life of Purpose and Aspirations

Let’s talk about who Spencer Collart was before that fateful day. This was a young man who enlisted in the Marines on his 18th birthday with dreams of flying. He trained rigorously to become a crew chief alongside his best friends, Lance Cpl. Evan Strickland and Cpl. Jonah Waser. Tragically, Strickland died in a training crash in June 2022, and Spencer stood as a pallbearer at his funeral. He even fostered a close relationship with Strickland’s family.

Bart Collart, the father of Spencer Collart, said, “I heard a song the other day. I’ve heard it many times.” He continued by saying, “There was a quote in there, about how ‘the last thing on my mind was to leave you.’ And I think that was Spencer talking with me a little. He had no intention of leaving us. I think he thought he’d go in and get the job done.”

A Question Amidst Tragedy

The MV-22B Osprey has a troubling history, marked by four fatal accidents in just two years. This raises some unsettling questions about the continued use of such aircraft. However, this does not detract from the valor shown by Collart. While the technicalities can be debated, his courage remains crystal clear.

Honoring True Valor

For his unparalleled bravery, Spencer Collart will posthumously receive the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. Let’s appreciate for a moment what this means. The award isn’t given lightly; it recognizes acts of heroism at the risk of one’s own life, but not involving conflict with an enemy. And here, we celebrate a young man who epitomized those very values.

Family and Community

Collart’s family, deeply affected by his heroism, found solace in his dedication and bravery. In a touching sequence of life events, Jonah Waser married Collart’s sister, Gwyneth, with their wedding reception held overlooking Arlington National Cemetery, where Spencer is buried. It’s a somber yet fitting tribute to a man who forever changed the lives of those around him.

Indeed, not all heroes wear capes – some wear Marine uniforms and make the ultimate sacrifice. Collart’s story not only serves as a humbling reminder of the sacrifices made by our military personnel but also reaffirms why their valor should never be taken for granted. As we honor Spencer Collart, let us not forget the cost of true bravery.

Spencer’s mother Alexa revealed that when he told her he had joined the Marines, she asked him why. According to her, he said, “The Marines are the top of the top. The best of the best.”

Until next time, keep this in mind: True heroes don’t just fight in wars; they save lives even in the face of overwhelming odds.