NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
While on temporary duty in Copenhagen, Denmark, U.S. Marine Corps Maj. James Shipman, rescued a woman from drowning in the Inderhavnsbroen canal Oct. 25.
Shipman, a Defense Logistics Agency Distribution liaison officer to the F-35 Joint Program Office Hybrid Product Support, was taking lunch on a tour boat when he heard the skipper of the ship calling for strong men to come help. Upon getting to the front of the boat, Shipman saw a young woman below the surface of the water and the tour guide was trying to reach her hands.
Recalling his lifesaving training, Shipman knew that grabbing under the armpits would be better. He used his longer reach to grab the woman and pull her aboard. Once aboard, the ship returned to the docks where police and an ambulance were waiting.
Shipman’s quick and decisive actions are credited with saving the young woman’s life.