Marine sacrifices life to save sole survivor of fiery plane crash

22-year-old Hannah Luce (above R) is the sole survivor of a fiery plane crash in Kansas that tragically took the lives of 4 others including former Marine Austin Anderson (Above L – 27). She is currently in a Kansas City hospital with burns covering 28% of her body.

Luce and three of her friends were aboard a twin-engine Cessna heading to a youth rally called Acquire the Fire, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The rally was held by Teen Mania Ministries, a Christian based organization founded by her father.

After take-off something went very wrong with the eight-seater plane as it landed in a field and skidded nearly 200ft before it smashed into a number of trees and burst into flames. Three lost their lives at the scene of the crash; The pilot – 23-year-old Luke Sheets, 22-year-old Stephen Luth and 29-year-old Garrett Coble.

Hannah is in serious but stable condition now and she is sharing an amazing story. She attributes her life being saved to Anderson, who just graduated from Oral Roberts University and had completed 2 tours in Iraq. Anderson pulled Luce from the carnage of the wreckage as the two were able to make it on foot to a nearby road for assistance. The courageous young man later lost his life having suffered burns over 90% of his body.

Hannah’s father Ron Luce said of Anderson:

“He served two tours in Iraq, and he was willing to give his life for his country. He was willing to give his life for a friend. He was always willing to go that extra mile.” He added, “While we’re thankful for this miracle of Hannah, we are truly grieving with all these parents.”

The Marine’s motto is, “Semper Fidelis.” Here’s an explanation why from the U.S.M.C. website that would help explain and define Anderson’s courageous last act:

Semper Fidelis distinguishes the Marine Corps bond from any other. It goes beyond teamwork—it is a brotherhood that can always be counted on.  Latin for “always faithful,” Semper Fidelis became the Marine Corps motto in 1883. It guides Marines to remain faithful to the mission at hand, to each other, to the Corps and to country, no matter what. Becoming a Marine is a transformation that cannot be undone, and Semper Fidelis is a permanent reminder of that. Once made, a Marine will forever live by the ethics and values of the Corps.