Retired Marine Dies Saving Drowning Teens

A decorated Retired Marine Corps Master Sergeant was credited with saving the lives of two teens at the cost of his own when he lept into action after they were pulled under the water from a strong current.

Rodney Buentello was spending Wednesday afternoon with his family at Bandera City Park when he saw a teenage girl try to walk across a dam and get swept away. A teenage boy jumped after her and that's when Buentello sprang into action, saving both of them.But he was dragged under by the current.His family said that he didn't think twice before jumping into the water after the two teens."His last breath, he pushed the boy towards EMS," Buentello's father said."When the boy got up there, the water took him under," said his brother-in-law, William Vaughn.Read the full story from KENS 5

Rodney Buentello served 20 years in the Marines with three tours to Iraq and Afghanistan receiving two Purple Hearts and nearly 40 other medals and awards. Buentello served as a recruiter in San Antonio and the training chief and class instructor for Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron in Iwakuni, Japan.His final act in this world was saving two people. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, and three sons. A GoFundMe page was created to support the family of this fallen hero.Rest In Peace, Top. The Marine Corps should be very proud to call you one of their own.