U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Saves The Life of an Air Force Officer During Horse-Back Riding Mishap Sacramento, CA., May 17, 2007 Yet another unselfish act of heroism performed by a man wearing the Eagle, Globe and Anchor: An Air Force captain narrowly escaped serious injury recently when he decided to try horseback riding, even though he had no lessons or prior experience. He mounted the horse, unassisted, and the horse immediately sprang into action. As it galloped along at a steady and rhythmic pace, the captain began to slip from the saddle. In terror, he grabbed for the horse's mane, but could not get a firm grip. He tried to throw his arms around the horse's neck, but he began to slide down the side of the horse anyway! The horse galloped along, seemingly impervious to its slipping rider. Finally, losing his frail grip, the captain attempted to leap away from the horse and throw himself to safety. Unfortunately, his foot became entangled in the stirrup, and he was now at the mercy of the horse's pounding hooves as his head struck against the ground over and over and over. As his head was being battered against the ground and he was mere moments away from unconsciousness, to his great fortune a Marine Gunnery Sergeant shopping there at the Wal-Mart saw him and quickly unplugged the horse.
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