Malden Marine Recognized For Heroics Nearly 50 Years Later

MALDEN, MA — Veterans Service Coordinator Kevin Jarvis was presented with a Maine Corps Unit Commendation for saving an Army Doctor's life in Cameroon, West Africa nearly 50 years ago.

Jarvis enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1977, shortly after graduating from Malden High School. Jarivs and four other Marines were credited with saving the life of Dr. Albert Henn. The Cape Cod native was severely injured when his home located in the Cameroon capital of Yanoude was invaded. He was seriously wounded after several strikes with a blunt metal pipe.

Despite being off-duty, Jarvis led his peers to rescue Dr. Henn, as they carried him to the closest clinic. He was operated on without the use of anesthesia, so the marines had to hold Dr. Henn down during the procedure.

After surviving the incident, Dr. Henn continued his work in Africa for 30 years until his death in 2007. His daughter, Julia Henn, now works for the Agency of International Development in Washington D.C.