The State of the Union Address became a moment of profound recognition as President Trump awarded the Legion of Merit for Extraordinary Heroism to Coast Guard Officer Scott Ruskan. The ceremony wasn't about politics; it was about acknowledging a singular act of courage in the face of overwhelming disaster.
Last summer, when torrential rains unleashed a devastating flood upon Texas, Ruskan didn’t hesitate. He didn’t wait for backup, or for conditions to improve. He acted, and in doing so, became a lifeline for 165 people stranded and desperate for rescue.
Ruskan’s first official rescue mission quickly transformed into a relentless, hours-long struggle against treacherous weather. He and his helicopter crew battled fierce storms, ultimately deciding a faster, more efficient rescue required him to go in alone, boots on the ground.
The scene he encountered was one of utter chaos and fear. People were exhausted, shivering, and many had lost contact with their families. Ruskan, despite his young age of 26, became a beacon of calm amidst the storm, expertly triaging victims and guiding them to safety.
He described the faces of those he rescued – etched with terror and desperation. Yet, Ruskan remained focused, offering reassurance and swift action. He wasn’t seeking accolades; he was simply doing what he believed was right.
Ruskan was quick to acknowledge the bravery of other rescue crews who were risking even more, venturing deeper into the floodwaters. His humility is striking, repeatedly stating he was “just doing my job.”
But his job, on that fateful day in Texas, was anything but ordinary. It was a display of extraordinary heroism, a testament to selfless service, and a defining moment for a young Coast Guard officer who undoubtedly earned every ounce of the honor bestowed upon him.
