Army Soldier praised for rescuing driver from car accident

By Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4January 17, 2018

LTC Jean G. Larned
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WASHINGTON -- An Army lieutenant colonel who helped rescue a man whose truck rolled off a rural road in Fauquier County, Virginia, last month has been praised by U.S. Army Lieutenant General Aundre F. Piggee.

LTC Jean G. Larned, assigned to the Pentagon since May 2017, was returning from a medical logistics meeting on the evening of Dec. 14, 2017 when he witnessed the accident and went to assist the driver. The vehicle, about 150 yards in front of him, ran into a ditch, rolled over several times, hit an embankment, and landed upside down.

When Larned pulled over, he found the driver to be unconscious. After calling emergency services, Larned spent the next 15 minutes holding the driver's head to stabilize him. The man was transported by helicopter to a local hospital after emergency workers pulled him from the vehicle using the Jaws of Life. They credited Larned with saving the driver's life by calling 911 and stabilizing the driver until they could arrive.

"LTC Larned is a real hero, who helped a total stranger in his time of need," said Piggee, the deputy chief of staff for U.S. Army Logistics. "He was being nice to someone, and we can all learn from his act of kindness. He also selflessly put himself in danger, as a cloud of dust surrounded the truck and he could smell gasoline in the air."

Piggee also said that Larned taught everyone an important safety lesson on how to handle a difficult situation. The accident happened on a two-lane road in the dark of night near a blind curve, and Larned had the foresight to track down another driver passing by. This driver then blocked the intersection to ensure the men would not be hit while waiting for the emergency personnel.

The driver, of northern Virginia, is still recovering, and Larned has been checking up on him through his family.

Larned is an Army Reserve Officer with the Medical Readiness Training Command Unit, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He has served in the military for more than 30 years.

"I was just trying to help," Larned said. "I thought to myself -- if I were in the same situation, I hope somebody would help me. I believe in the Golden Rule. You should always treat others, as you would like to be treated."