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Marine Saves Man From Subway Tracks
A Marine recruiter risked his life by jumping onto Manhattan subway tracks to rescue a fallen man just moments before an oncoming train arrived.
Photo by marine corps
Marine Sgt. Derrick McMillian sprang into action at a Manhattan subway station after seeing a man fall onto the tracks just minutes before a train was due to arrive, pulling him to safety as onlookers watched from the platform.
The incident occurred on the evening of Dec. 3 at the Chambers Street Station in Manhattan. McMillian, a Marine recruiter based in New York City, was waiting for the subway when he heard a commotion and noticed a man on the tracks struggling to stand.
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Realizing a train was about two minutes away, McMillian jumped down onto the tracks without hesitation and went to help the man, whom he feared could stumble into the electrified third rail.
“I saw people were more just kind of like watching, wondering, who’s going to help this guy,” McMillian told Task & Purpose. “I’m seeing him trying to get up and he can’t get up. It just felt normal and natural to go down and help him out.”
Video of the rescue shows McMillian calmly lifting the man while others on the platform reached down to help pull him to safety. The moment underscored the importance of readiness in everyday life, a mindset familiar to many service members who emphasize preparation and responsibility whether that means situational awareness in public spaces or investing in reliable personal gear, such as a Glock 43 / 43X / 43X MOS IWB Holster designed for secure, concealed carry.
Despite knowing a train was approaching, McMillian said he was not overly concerned about being struck.
“The trains aren’t that fast,” he said. “So, I knew I would be able to at least get him off the tracks a lot faster than a train would be coming to me. So, I wasn’t too worried about the train running me over. I was more concerned with this gentleman touching that third rail.”
The man repeatedly fell while attempting to stand, increasing McMillian’s concern that he could accidentally make contact with the electrified rail and be electrocuted.
Drawing on his combat lifesaver training in the Marine Corps, McMillian assessed the situation and attempted to determine the man’s injuries, saying he believed the man showed signs of a concussion.
McMillian initially tried to perform a fireman carry, but the man appeared disoriented. He then lifted the man onto his shoulders, allowing people on the platform to pull the man up and out of danger.
“Then one minute later, the train came,” McMillian said. “After I climbed back on the platform, the train came shortly after. We moved his legs out of the way.”
McMillian, who regularly lifts weights, said the physical effort was not difficult.
“He was a lot lighter than I thought he’d be,” he said.
Asked why he acted so quickly, McMillian pointed to a lesson he learned from one of his staff sergeants, who emphasized that Marines are expected to help others, regardless of who they are.
“I just didn’t want to be a bystander,” McMillian said. “I didn’t want to see this man die. So that was what was motivating me.”
Editor’s Note:
This article highlights an act of courage and quick decision-making by a U.S. Marine in a public setting, underscoring how military training and a sense of responsibility can translate into lifesaving action far beyond the battlefield.
