CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Marine Maj. William Easter was preparing for a run on the Okinawa seawall near American Village on the afternoon of Dec. 8 when he heard cries for help coming from the shore.

Looking closer, Easter saw an exhausted man who had made it to shore after a swim, but whose pregnant wife was in distress roughly a quarter-mile out.

Easter, the theatre security cooperation officer with the III Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Courtney, acted quickly. With a life preserver in one hand, he swam 300 yards to the woman and waited with her until help arrived, probably saving her life.

He was recognized Tuesday for his heroism by Chatan Mayor Masaharu Noguni, who presented Easter with a letter of appreciation.

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