SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 – On Sept. 16, 2024, Gen. Eric M. Smith, The 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps, posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to the family of Cpl. Spencer Collart for his heroic attempt to save the lives of his fellow Marines following the fatal crash of their Osprey aircraft in Darwin, Australia, on Aug. 27, 2023.
Collart, an MV-22 crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363, and a native of Arlington, Va., initially escaped the Osprey after the crash, but reentered the wreckage to save the aircraft’s pilots, Maj. Tobin Lewis and Capt. Eleanor LeBeau. Collart reached the cockpit, and attempted to rescue his fellow Marines, but ultimately perished in his effort.
“This kind of selflessness is rare, but it’s the kind of bravery that defines Marines across generations,” said Gen. Smith. “In those critical moments, Cpl. Collart put his life on the line for his brothers and sisters, knowing full well the risks. He demonstrates what it means to live by our values of honor, courage, and commitment.”
“It was a high-risk situation, and it would have been a high gain. Spencer would say, ‘that was my job. I did what I was supposed to do.'” Alexia Collart, Cpl Collart’s mother
According to the official investigation, all signs indicate the Osprey’s crew chief escaped the aircraft, then returned to save its pilots. Cpl. Collart’s tether, used to secure him to the aircraft during flights, was found intact and undamaged outside the fuselage, indicating he had egressed. The Ground Force commander on the flight also recalled seeing Collart exit the aircraft through the crew door after the crash.
“It was a high-risk situation, and it would have been a high gain. Spencer would say, ‘that was my job. I did what I was supposed to do,’” said Alexia Collart, Cpl Collart’s mother. “As a mom, I think about if he didn’t go back in there, but of course it was Spencer, he had to go back in there. It was a reflex. He had seconds to think, and he thought, and he acted. There was no question.”
Collart had a special bond with Maj. Lewis and Capt. LeBeau. His family cites a flight he shared with the pair during an air show in Australia as one of Collart’s proudest moments. According to his family, he had even submitted pilot paperwork and had goals of one day following in their footsteps.
“You kind of had to earn his respect and once you found it, you got it. And that’s why we just know that he thought so much of Maj. Lewis and Capt. LeBeau,” said Bartley E. Collart, Cpl. Collart’s father. “He told us. He really thought highly of them as people, and also as pilots. A lot of people said they were like the ‘A Team’ when they were flying together. We just know that he was flying with the best.”
In recognition of Cpl. Collart’s actions, Gen. Smith held a ceremony at the Home of the Commandants to present the Collart family with the Marine Corps’ highest non-combat award for heroism in their son’s honor.
“Mr. and Mrs. Collart, no words can fully express the depth of our gratitude for your son’s bravery,” said Gen. Smith. “You raised a Marine who, in his final moments, thought not of himself, but of his fellow Marines. And we honor you for that. Spencer’s legacy is one of selfless devotion to duty, and we’re forever in his debt.”
Alexia shared a portion of Cpl. Collart’s final letter sent home to her, and it reads; “Sometimes life throws us a little bit of happiness. While you have it, enjoy it, make it last, but realize eventually it’s going to go away. When it does, look for the lessons in its passing. No matter how much it hurts, no matter how much you wish it didn’t, no matter how much you want it to stay. It is only then that we can grow. Especially when it comes to people. Everyone comes into your life for a reason. Some people also have to leave your life for a reason. Whether that be by choice or not. One way or another, there is always something to be learned, laughs to be laughed, and memories to be cherished. You can’t control what other people do or say. But just remember that in the end, it’s all for a reason.”
Cpl. Collart was laid to rest on September 25, 2023, at Arlington National Cemetery. His gravestone will be updated to reflect his posthumous award.
Sgt. Tawanya Noorwood
Headquarters Marine Corps