Sergeant Awarded for Saving Fellow Marine’s Life in Motorcycle Accident Near Julian

Gunnery Sergeant Christopher Goad was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal at a VMFA-314 hangar ceremony on July 1 for heroic actions he displayed in a motorcycle accident last spring.

During a group motorcycle ride along Route 76 near Julian with the San Diego Chapter of Marine Riders Iwo Jima on April 21, an inexperienced rider misjudged an uphill right turn and was struck by an oncoming vehicle.

Goad jumped into action, parking his motorcycle and calling 911 as he made his way to the injured rider. He then applied multiple tourniquets to the injured party while they waited for the ambulance to arrive.

Emergency room staff stated that Goad’s prompt and precise tourniquet application prevented blood loss that would have been fatal to the injured rider if not properly applied.

“Gunnery Sgt. Goad embodied a bias for action and acted when others chose the role of bystander,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Davis, commanding officer of VMFA-314. “He saved someone’s life, and his actions are a testament to his character and leadership.”

In addition to this heroic act, Goad is the powerline division chief at Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and president of the VMFA-314 motorcycle club. He has spent his 14-year career on busy airfields and aircraft carrier flight decks, including his current assignment with VMFA-314 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

As an avid motorcyclist and president of a motorcycle club, Goad is dedicated to riding safely. Goad emphasizes that riders should “ride at their skill level,” getting accustomed to the motorcycle in a controlled area and knowing how to handle it in a variety of conditions before taking on dynamic roadways and traffic.

“It comes down to instinct,” Goad said. “I’m very aware of my surroundings; I’ve also learned hesitating at the wrong moment could mean life or death.”