Marine Corps
Marine who saved lives in Australia Osprey crash is awarded Navy and Marine Corps Medal
Stars and Stripes
March 4, 2025
U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Joshua C. Watson, left, is awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Fla., Feb. 28, 2025. (U.S. Marine Corps Training and Education Command)
U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Joshua C. Watson was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal last week for saving lives of service members during a MV-22B Osprey crash on Melville Island, Australia, that resulted in the deaths of three Marines.
Watson received the medal — which honors individuals who distinguish themselves in a non-combat environment — during a ceremony Friday hosted by Marine Aviation Training Support Group 21 at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla.
On Aug. 27, 2023, Watson was serving as the executive officer for Company L, 1st Marines, Ground Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 23.3, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force when he, 22 other Marines and one sailor crashed into a wooded area as they were approaching the landing zone at Pickertaramoor Airfield. According to an I MEF investigation, the cause of the crash was due to pilot error and a loss of situational awareness.
Watson, who broke an ankle in the crash, quickly directed his team to evacuate the aircraft that was engulfed in flames and smoke.
“After noticing that nobody was really moving, I directed the Marines to leave everything and get out the back of the aircraft,” Watson said. “As I unstrapped and untangled myself, I handed off my radio operator to another Marine toward the rear exit, checking under seats as I went to ensure no one remained trapped.”
Watson guided multiple rescue helicopters, who he said were their lifeline. His communication allowed the helicopters to relay information to emergency medical services that were on their way to the crash site. He also took charge of search and rescue.
Watson ensured his Marines received appropriate medical care while facilitating the proper handoff of the casualties. He was the last Marine to be transported to Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, where he and the injured Marines received treatment.
“Almost everyone was injured in the crash, but we didn’t realize the severity due to the shock, we kept checking on each other because we didn’t know the true conditions of everyone,” Watson said. “Self-aid was critical, my Marines being solid in Tactical Combat Casualty Care was essential to minimize the loss of life.”
Maj. Tobin Lewis, Capt. Eleanor LeBeau and Cpl. Spencer Collart died at Royal Darwin Hospital. On Sept. 16, 2024, Collart was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic attempt to reenter the aircraft after safely escaping to help save the lives of his fellow Marines.