Parachutes Became Entangled, But Quick Actions Saved The Jumpers

Two members of the U.S. Army's Golden Knights Parachute Team have been awarded Soldiers Medals for lifesaving actions during a jump over Homestead FL on February 15.

According to a report appearing on the online news site fayobserver.com, the two jumpers, Sgt. David Echeverry and Staff Sgt. Christopher Clark became entangled at about 4,000 feet during a training jump while attempting a maneuver that no one on that team had performed before. Echeverry was being choked by a parachute cord, and as he lost consciousness, he pulled a release cord on his harness hoping to allow Clark to land safely. He knew he would not survive.

When he regained consciousness, he found Clark was holding on to him using all the strength he had. "I had him and I wasn't letting go," Clark said of the incident. The Staff Sergeant reportedly collapsed from exhaustion when the two landed.

For their acts, each saving the other, the pair was awarded the Soldiers Medal in a ceremony at Fort Bragg on December 11. It is the highest Army award for valor outside combat.

(Image from YouTube video of award presentation)

FMI: http://armygk.armylive.dodlive.mil/