The nation held its breath in July of 2025 as relentless floodwaters ravaged the Texas Hill Country, leaving a trail of devastation and claiming 135 lives. Among the most heartbreaking losses were 27 young girls and counselors at Camp Mystic, swept away by the unforgiving current.
Amidst the chaos and despair, a beacon of hope emerged: Scott Ruskan, a 26-year-old Coast Guard rescue swimmer from New Jersey. He arrived at the scene as the sole triage coordinator, facing a catastrophe of unimaginable scale.
President Trump, during a recent address to the nation, recounted the harrowing story of 11-year-old Milly Cate McClymond. As the floodwaters surged, threatening to pull her under, Milly Cate closed her eyes and prayed, convinced her final moments had arrived.
Then, seemingly from nowhere, a figure descended from the sky. Scott Ruskan, a rescue swimmer on his very first mission, battled the ferocious winds and torrential rain to reach her. Witnesses described the scene as unbelievable, watching in awe as Ruskan defied the elements.
Ruskan didn’t just save Milly Cate. He single-handedly rescued an astonishing 165 people from the raging floodwaters, becoming an instant symbol of courage and selflessness. The rapid current was unlike anything anyone had ever witnessed.
In a deeply moving moment, President Trump orchestrated a reunion between Milly Cate and her rescuer during his address. It was the first time they had seen each other since that terrifying day in Texas.
The President announced that Ruskan would be awarded the Legion of Merit, a prestigious military decoration recognizing extraordinary heroism. His actions weren’t just about saving lives; they were about embodying the very best of the human spirit.
Department of Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem had previously hailed Ruskan as an “American hero,” recognizing the profound impact of his bravery and dedication. His selfless courage, she stated, perfectly captured the mission and spirit of the Coast Guard.
Ruskan’s story is a testament to the power of courage in the face of overwhelming adversity, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can emerge from the most unexpected places.
