Travis OSI agent performs heroic act

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt Matthew McGovern
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calf. --  Special Agent James Collin's day began similar to most near a helicopter landing pad in Iraq where people often shouted above the blaring noise of helicopters. 

This day was different. Just after helping his captain board a U.S. Marine C-46 Sea Knight helicopter, he and several others witnessed it crash-land in the rough 52 degree waters of a lake Dec. 3, 2006. 

"I got a sinking feeling in my chest as I saw the helicopter go down," said Agent Collins, Air Force Office of Special Investigations. 

The helicopter took off from a dam where it lost power and struck the side of the dam with its belly and landing gear and pitched forward. The pilot just managed to bring it level as it hit the lake three and a half stories below. 

"We saw people still in their full gear exiting out the back and sides into the water," Agent Collins said. 

Agent Collins first thought was to save his captain as he ran down to the water removing his gear as he went. Agent Collins, a scuba diver/trainer in his free time, dove into the lake and swam towards the passengers. 

About 50 meters out he found the captain's helmet floating in the water but the captain was out of site. Agent Collins then noticed two Marines fighting to stay afloat. He grabbed one then the other, pushing both men toward the shore. 

He pushed the two Marines to a growing chain of rescuers on the shore, then swam out 25 meters to rescue a civilian contractor.
"The temperature of the water was a shock, it was enough to take your breath away," said Agent Collins. 

The third time he swam out to help rescue one of the helicopters crewmembers.
"The crewmember was frantic, I was pushed under more than once," said Agent Collins.
"We got him ashore and I just managed to get ashore to cough up the lake water I swallowed," he said.
Agent Collins was told later that the lake had the highest cholera content in its water in the country. He also felt hypothermia take effect after spending more than a half hour in the water. 

The cold and the cholera were the least of his worries, "for a while I could picture the captain every time I closed my eyes," Agent Collins said. 

Agent Collins, with the help of others, rescued 10 of the passengers. Four others perished. One Marine was recovered from the water by the rescuers but couldn't be resuscitated. Three others, including Agent Collins' captain, were recovered from the 300-foot deep lake the next day. 

Agent Collins received the Airman's Medal from OSI commander Brig. Gen. Dana Simmons Jan. 15 for his bravery in the rescue. 

General Simmons expressed his gratitude, and Lt. Col. Stanley Robinson, Travis' OSI commander, shared in his appreciation for this Airman.

"I think his actions are truly heroic. He is the third person in OSI to achieve this honor," said Colonel Robinson. 
"It reflects on what kind of person he is, and I'm honored to serve in the company of a magnificent Airman like Special Agent Collins," said Colonel Robinson.