Cpl. Michael Hainline saving the world

Marine Corporal Michael Hainline was on terminal leave back on September 19, 1989 when Fred Hopkins gunned down two employees at Hainline’s new job at a plastic manufacturing plant in Macomb, Illinois. After shooting a female employee, Hopkins turned his gun on Jim Cobb. His first shot missed Cobb. From the Marine Corps Times;

Hopkins pulled the trigger again, but this time Cobb fell to the ground. The shooter then stood over his injured co-worker and shot him in the head, according to Hainline.

As Hopkins tried to reload, Hainline and other employees, including a former Navy seabee, tackled the shooter.

“These are all great people and they didn’t have to do what they did,” Hainline said.

The corporal had provided first aid to the mortally wounded Cobb, but his injuries were far too severe.

“I was a basic infantry guy and had basic first aid skills,” Haineline explained. “I would have done anything for a Navy corpsman that day.”

Hopkins freed himself from the chair where he had been restrained and dashed out of the building with Hainline in hot pursuit. He gave a description of Hopkins and his get away vehicle to police who finally captured the gunman.

A tragic accident prevented his unit from recognizing the young corporal for his heroism and quick reactions, until 25 years later when he received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, from his former commander last weekend.

Thanks to AW1Ed for the link.

Category: Marine Corps