U.S. Marine Cpl. Alexandra Nowak, an administrative specialist with Alpha Company, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, stands in front of a formation after receiving the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal at an award ceremony on Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 6, 2019. Nowak received the award for her actions to save a family after a car crash on Interstate Highway 15. Nowak is a native of Forney, Texas.
“Adrenaline. It was 100% Adrenaline. I remember just sprinting. I remember shaking the whole time, but I wasn’t nervous.” Cpl. Alexandra Nowak
Nowak was driving to pick up her 2-year old daughter and mother at the airport on Interstate Highway 15 in Escondido, California, when she witnessed a multi-car collision resulting in a sports utility vehicle rolling onto its side.
Nowak, a native of Forney, Texas, sprang into action to help the vehicle’s occupants. She was able to successfully retrieve the driver’s uninjured 9-month old and 4-year old children from the vehicle and help them to safety.
After pulling back the broken windshield, Nowak realized that the driver’s arm was almost completely severed. Nowak then retrieved the tourniquet she kept in her vehicle and proceeded to administer first aid and keep the driver conscious until first responders arrived.
“I remember she asked me ‘Am I going to die?’ and I told her, ‘No, I am not going to let you die,’” Nowak said.
Escondido Fire Department Officials and witnesses at the scene credit Nowak’s quick thinking and bravery as the main reason that the driver did not suffer more severe medical issues or even death.
“I was courageous, yes. Would I do it again? Yes. Do I hope I have to do it again? No,” Nowak said.
