Good morning, Marines, distinguished guests, and most importantly, the families of Corporal Spencer Collart, Captain Eleanor LeBeau, and Major Tobin Lewis. Today, we gather to honor a Marine who epitomized the courage and selflessness that define our Corps. Corporal Spencer Collart demonstrated an extraordinary act of heroism, and though we grieve his loss, we are here to celebrate his actions that reflect the highest values we hold dear. First, I want to acknowledge Mr. Bart Collart and Mrs. Alexia Collart, who are here today to accept this award on behalf of their son. 

Mr. and Mrs. Collart, no words can fully express the depth of our gratitude for your son’s bravery. 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 are forever in his debt. I also want to take a moment to recognize the families of Captain LeBeau and Major Lewis. 

David, Victoria, thank you for being here today to help us honor Spencer, and to remember and celebrate Eleanor’s service and sacrifice. Our hearts are also with Chase as he carries on his own service. Norm and Kathy, your presence here reminds us of the strength of our Marine families. And though Meredith could not join us today, we hold her and her family in our hearts as we reflect on the memory of Tobin. 

The service and dedication of Captain LeBeau and Major Lewis, like Corporal Collart’s, will never be forgotten. On August 27th, 2023, during Exercise Predator’s Run, Corporal Collart was serving as the crew chief aboard an MV-22 Osprey. The mission was part of a combined U.S.-Australian exercise in northern Australia. An exercise that is essential to the strength and readiness of our forces and our alliance.

As they approached their landing zone, tragedy struck. The Osprey crash-landed in a remote area of Melville Island, igniting the aircraft and the surrounding terrain in flames.

In moments like these, Marines are trained to act decisively. Corporal Collart did just that. He escaped the burning wreckage and immediately began ensuring the safety of the Marines around him, directing them out of the aircraft. 

But when he realized that Captain LeBeau and Major Lewis had not exited the aircraft, he didn’t hesitate. He didn’t stop to think about the fire or the danger to himself—he took action to help fellow Marines.

With complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Collart re-entered the burning Osprey to try and save the pilots. That decision reflected the highest commitment we have as Marines: to never leave a fellow Marine behind, no matter the circumstances.

Tragically, Corporal Collart lost his life in that act of heroism.

This kind of selflessness is rare. It’s the kind of bravery that defines Marines across generations. In those critical moments, Corporal Collart put his life on the line for his brothers and sisters, knowing full well the risks. He demonstrated what it means to live by our values—honor, courage, and commitment.

Today, we present Corporal Spencer Collart with the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the highest award our nation can bestow for non-combat heroism. This medal honors not only his brave actions but the deep sense of duty that motivated him to re-enter the wreckage. His sacrifice reminds us all of the incredible responsibility we have to each other as Marines, to never leave a Marine behind, and to serve with selflessness and courage, no matter the cost.

To the families of Corporal Collart, Captain LeBeau, and Major Lewis, we know that nothing can fully heal the pain of your loss. But please know that you are forever part of the Marine Corps family. The service and sacrifice of your loved ones are part of the very fabric of our Corps’ history, and their courage will live on through the Marines who carry their legacy forward.

Mr. and Mrs. Collart, your son’s legacy will inspire Marines for generations to come. His bravery and sacrifice stand as a shining example of what it means to be a United States Marine. We honor his memory today, and we will never forget his sacrifice.

Thank you for being here today to honor Corporal Collart. Semper Fidelis.

If you are now ready, I ask that you join Sergeant Major Ruiz and me for the presentation of Spencer’s award.