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2nd Marine Logistics Group

'Warriors Sustaining Warriors'

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Quick, decisive action saves Marine’s life at Camp Lejeune

By 2nd Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs Office | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | December 20, 2012

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Maj. Matthew D. Reis, the adjutant of Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, speaks to the Marines and sailors of CLR-2 after an award ceremony aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 11, 2012. Reis received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his exceptional situational awareness and immediate action while responding to a disturbance at a nearby barracks.

Maj. Matthew D. Reis, the adjutant of Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, speaks to the Marines and sailors of CLR-2 after an award ceremony aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 11, 2012. Reis received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his exceptional situational awareness and immediate action while responding to a disturbance at a nearby barracks. (Photo by Sgt. Rachael Moore)


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Col. Dwayne A. Whiteside (center), the commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, shakes the hand of Maj. Matthew D. Reis, the adjutant of CLR-2, during a ceremony Dec. 11, 2012, aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. Reis received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his exceptional situational awareness and immediate action while responding to a disturbance at a nearby barracks.

Col. Dwayne A. Whiteside (center), the commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, shakes the hand of Maj. Matthew D. Reis, the adjutant of CLR-2, during a ceremony Dec. 11, 2012, aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. Reis received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his exceptional situational awareness and immediate action while responding to a disturbance at a nearby barracks. (Photo by Sgt. Rachael Moore)


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Col. Dwayne A. Whiteside (center), the commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, talks to the Marines and sailors of CLR-2 during an award ceremony aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 11, 2012. Early in the morning, Maj. Matthew D. Reis, the adjutant of CLR-2, responded to a disturbance at a nearby barracks, which resulted in Reis saving the life of another Marine.

Col. Dwayne A. Whiteside (center), the commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, talks to the Marines and sailors of CLR-2 during an award ceremony aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 11, 2012. Early in the morning, Maj. Matthew D. Reis, the adjutant of CLR-2, responded to a disturbance at a nearby barracks, which resulted in Reis saving the life of another Marine. (Photo by Sgt. Rachael Moore)


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Maj. Matthew D. Reis, the adjutant of Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, listens during a ceremony aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 11, 2012, as the commanding officer talks about the disturbance Reis responded to early in the morning. Reis received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his actions.

Maj. Matthew D. Reis, the adjutant of Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, listens during a ceremony aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 11, 2012, as the commanding officer talks about the disturbance Reis responded to early in the morning. Reis received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his actions. (Photo by Sgt. Rachael Moore)


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Col. Dwayne A. Whiteside (center), the commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, and Sgt. Maj. Lanette N. Wright (right), the sergeant major of CLR-2, stand ready to present a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal to Maj. Matthew D. Reis, the adjutant of CLR-2, during a ceremony Dec. 11, 2012, aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. Reis received the award for his exceptional situational awareness and immediate action while responding to a disturbance at a nearby barracks.

Col. Dwayne A. Whiteside (center), the commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, and Sgt. Maj. Lanette N. Wright (right), the sergeant major of CLR-2, stand ready to present a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal to Maj. Matthew D. Reis, the adjutant of CLR-2, during a ceremony Dec. 11, 2012, aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. Reis received the award for his exceptional situational awareness and immediate action while responding to a disturbance at a nearby barracks. (Photo by Sgt. Rachael Moore)


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Col. Dwayne A. Whiteside (center), the commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, pins a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal on the chest of Maj. Matthew D. Reis, the adjutant of CLR-2, during a ceremony Dec. 11, 2012, aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. Reis received the award for his exceptional situational awareness and immediate action while responding to a disturbance at a nearby barracks.

Col. Dwayne A. Whiteside (center), the commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, pins a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal on the chest of Maj. Matthew D. Reis, the adjutant of CLR-2, during a ceremony Dec. 11, 2012, aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. Reis received the award for his exceptional situational awareness and immediate action while responding to a disturbance at a nearby barracks. (Photo by Sgt. Rachael Moore)


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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- A Marine with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group saved the life of one of his own in the pre-dawn hours here, Dec. 11.

Maj. Matthew D. Reis, the adjutant for CLR-2, received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his exceptional situational awareness and immediate action after saving another Marine from taking his own life.

Reis was in his office working around 2 a.m. for the unit’s pre-deployment exercise when he heard commotion outside. As he walked outside, he saw a fellow Marine hanging from the second floor of a nearby barracks. Reis called for assistance as he attempted to prop the Marine up. With the help of others, they lowered the Marine and Reis began to conduct CPR.

A crowd of Marines also working with Reis during CLR-2’s training exercise came outside, alerted by the commotion. Col. Dwayne A. Whiteside, the CLR-2 commanding officer, was among the concerned first responders.

“The Marine wasn’t breathing. I couldn’t feel anything with my hands on him, and his chest wasn’t rising,” said Whiteside, recalling Reis’s efforts to revive the servicemember. “The training you learn – you never know when you’re going to need it.”

The incident happened less than a week after the unit underwent “Never Leave a Marine Behind” training, which is the Marine Corps’ suicide prevention program. During that training, Marines learn the acronym R.A.C.E – Recognize the signs of distress, Ask about the signs of distress, Care about and show you care about the Marine, and Escort the Marine to help.

In addition, CLR-2 has recently gone through combat lifesaver training for their upcoming deployment.

After several minutes of resuscitative efforts, Reis successfully revived the Marine.

“Without Maj. Reis’s quick thinking and unyielding determination to care for his fellow Marine, the Marine would have been a fatality,” his award citation read.

After the award ceremony, Reis talked to the CLR-2 Marines emphasizing the importance of never leaving a Marine behind.

“We’ve got a nation that’s counting on us,” he said after the ceremony. “We’re Marines, and we’ve got to be ready to answer the call. If you’re hurting, you’ve got to reach out and get help.”

As CLR-2 prepares for deployment and the holiday season nears, stress is more common than normal. Reis encouraged the Marines to remain vigilant.

“You’ve got a purpose in life, and you have to fulfill it,” said Reis. “Now he’s got a second chance.”

Editor’s Note: This story is a story about one Marine helping another. If you or someone you know is contemplating hurting themselves, there are resources available to help.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255)
DStress Hotline: 1 (877) 476-7734
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Chaplain: (910) 451-3210
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12 Comments


  • Scott 148 days ago
    And if he was a Lance Corporal then he would have gotten a page-11.
  • Sgt anonymous 148 days ago
    First off let me say way to go sir. Secondly. Holy crap, fastest I have ever seen a navy comm approved. How about that kind of turnaround for our junior Marines. Semper Fi
  • Barb 148 days ago
    Thank you Maj. Reis. I wish you or someone would have been there to save my Son. God bless you, Sir.
  • Jaime Ramirez 148 days ago
    That was the most coolest thing i have ever heard in my life.
  • MarineChk 148 days ago
    GTG, Maj. Reis! My AD hubby talked a .9mm down frm a fellow Marine in '11; he was awarded the NAM-not a NMCCM. It's reassuring to ALL junior Marines that leaders like Maj. Reis and my hubby are there to answer whenever or wherever they're needed. Marines stepping up not only saves lives on the battle front, but on the homefront, as well. One can only pray that, now, the troubled Marine allows himself to receive the help he didn't think he deserved.
  • Ex-Cpl Webb 148 days ago
    I read this and it reminded me even in civilian life you look out for your neighbors. That was taught to me in the Marines and still holds true to this day. Thanks
  • Karl Lewis 148 days ago
    Hmm. a Major hears other Marines trying to help and comes to help them. He gets the award, all they get is a nameless mention. I am sure they were not just standing around yelling before he got there. Glad the Marine survived and I am glad there were quick thinkers. Give some devil dogs Lance coolie some credit.
  • K.J. Hinton 148 days ago
    Right man, right place, right time.

    Thanks, Major.
  • John Erickson 148 days ago
    Oorah MAJ Reis.
  • michelle 148 days ago
    great job
  • Dakota Aurand 148 days ago
    My Aunt Is stationed at camp Lejeune I'm just glad she wasn't a near Fatality Oorah to Major Reis
  • Jae Marland 148 days ago
    Thank you for saving One of the Few! I hope the victim gets the help he needs without any negative repercussions.

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