Congressman Honors Corry Station Marine for Carrying Young Triathlete Across Finish Line

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- A U.S. Congressman honored a young Marine of Marine Detachment Corry Station on board Corry Station Oct. 26.

U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, presented Marine Private 1st Class Matthew Morgan, 19, of San Diego, with a Congressional coin and his personal congratulations for a job well done and upholding the finest traditions of the United States Marine Corps.

"I would like to personally thank you for assisting Ben Baltz when his prosthesis failed him during the Sea Turtle Tri Kids Triathlon," Miller said. "Your actions that day drew national attention because they served as an inspiration to us all."

Morgan gained national fame when he carried Ben Baltz, 11, of nearby Valparaiso, Fla., across the finish line during the third annual Sea Turtle Tri Kids triathlon Oct. 7 at Opal Beach, about halfway between Pensacola Beach and Navarre, Fla.

Baltz, a bone cancer survivor, lost his right leg when he was six. But now, he regularly runs triathlons and other athletic competitions throughout Northwest Florida with the help of a prosthetic device.

Halfway through the running portion of the triathlon, Baltz's prosthetic failed and he fell into the sugary white sand along the Gulf Coast. Morgan, who was volunteering at a water station along the route, ran to assist the young athlete.

Baltz struggled up, and was kind of bouncing around on his left foot while he attempted to refasten the loose pins on his prosthetic leg.

"I asked Ben if he needed help," Morgan said. "He said, 'no, I just want to finish the race.'"

When it became obvious the prosthetic was not repairable, Morgan offered Baltz a ride - piggy-back style - to the finish line.

Together, the pair crossed the finish line and victory to cheers and tears from the onlookers.

"Any of my fellow Marines would have done the same," Morgan said. "I just happened to get there first."

Within minutes, amateur videos and photos of the event were uploaded to the Internet; and within hours their story of hope and courage immediately gained national attention on hundreds of mainstream news outlets and cable networks.

"Your willingness to ensure that the young competitor crossed the finish line may seem like a simple act of kindness, but such selfless acts form the ties that bind us together," Miller said. "Morever, it reflects your commitment to living out the values of the Marine Corps, a commitment that all Americans can look to and admire.

"I sincerely appreciate your dedication to the community and the outstanding support you and your fellow Marines provided during this event and personally to Ben Baltz."

Morgan's commanding officer, Capt. Frank Anderson said he was a little surprised by all the publicity, but not how his Marines reacted to the situation.

"We leave no man behind. That's something we do as Marines," Anderson said. "It's that unwavering dedication to our fellow Marines and competitors in this case."

For more news from Center for Information Dominance, visit www.navy.mil/local/corry/.