U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Benjamin Frazier, an intel instructor with Marine Corps Detachment Dam Neck, Va., receives the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Naval Air Station Dam Neck, Va. In May 2022, Frazier helped save the life of a fellow Marine. (Hannah Adams/U.S. Marine Corps)

Nearly two years ago, Marine Gunnery Sgt. Benjamin Frazier helped save the life of a fellow Marine.

On Friday, Frazier received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, according to a Marine Corps news release. The medal recognizes a sailor or Marine for noncombat heroic action, outstanding achievement or meritorious service.

In May 2022, Frazier, an intel instructor with Marine Corps Detachment Dam Neck, Va., was driving north on Interstate 64 when he spotted a man on a bridge who appeared ready to jump. Frazier pulled over and dialed 911.

Then he joined a woman already on the scene who was attempting to talk the man off the ledge.

“It was just one of those sixth-sense moments,” said Frazier, who soon recognized the man as a fellow Marine. “I made the initial report to first responders and engaged the situation after the woman was pushed away multiple times.”

Frazier grabbed the Marine’s left arm and leveraged his bodyweight backward to prevent him from jumping.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Benjamin Frazier receives the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal at Naval Air Station Dam Neck, Va., Thursday, March 21, 2024. (Hannah Adams/U.S. Marine Corps)

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Benjamin Frazier receives congratulations after being awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal at Naval Air Station Dam Neck, Va., Thursday, March 21, 2024. (Hannah Adams/U.S. Marine Corps)

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Benjamin Frazier shakes hands after being awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal at Naval Air Station Dam Neck, Va., Thursday, March 21, 2024. (Hannah Adams/U.S. Marine Corps)

“I remember seeing the ocean,” Frazier recalled of the moment when they teetered close to the edge of the bridge, only the water below. Even though the man attempted to break free multiple times, Frazier brought him back from the ledge.

Frazier says he connected with the Marine by discussing military life and their shared experiences.

“I was a young Marine at one point in my career, too,” Frazier reflected. “We talked about hometowns and how his younger siblings needed him as a mentor.”

When first responders arrived, Frazier stayed involved, making sure his fellow Marine was safe.

Frazier attributes the successful encounter to the training, critical thinking skills and military leadership instilled in him by the Marine Corps.

Receiving the medal, Frazier said, gives him the chance to advocate for the importance of looking out for one another.

“As Marines, we need to hold the brotherhood and sisterhood principles in combat, to the garrison setting,” he said.

You are never alone. If you need help or just a friendly ear, Dial 988 and Press 1.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Benjamin Frazier talks about suicide awareness after being awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal at Naval Air Station Dam Neck, Va., Thursday, March 21, 2024. (Hannah Adams/U.S. Marine Corps)