Coast Guard
Coast Guard swimmer who saved 165 in Texas floods receives Legion of Merit
Stars and Stripes
February 25, 2026
Coast Guard Aviation Survival Technician Scott Ruskan receives the Legion of Merit during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address in Washington on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (U.S. Coast Guard via X)
Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan was presented the Legion of Merit during the State of the Union address on Tuesday for his role in the service’s response to deadly floods in Texas last July.
The aviation survival technician has been credited with helping to save 165 people, including those at Camp Mystic. Heavy rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to swell, and the resulting floods killed more than 130 people in the area, including 28 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic.
“As the waters threatened to sweep her away, 11-year-old Milly Cate McClymond closed her eyes and prayed to God, she thought she was going to die,” President Donald Trump said at his address.
“Those prayers were answered when Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskin descended from a helicopter above. ... And he lifted not just Milly Cate, but 164 others to safety.”
“It was Scott’s first ever rescue mission — young guy, but very brave,” Trump continued, adding that McClymond was present at the address, reuniting her with her savior. “Petty Officer Ruskan, I’m pleased to inform you that I am now awarding you the Legion of Merit for extraordinary heroism.”
Ruskan was also recognized shortly after the flooding, along with the other three members of his aircrew. Ruskan and the aircraft commander received the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism during flight, while the co-pilot and aviation maintenance technician received the Air Medal.
Not only was it Ruskan’s first rescue mission, he had previously struggled with training for his role. Ruskan initially failed a rigorous training course at the Coast Guard’s Aviation Survival Technician school, he told the Press Democrat (based in Santa Rosa., Calif.) last year. In particular, Ruskan struggled with a rescue technique involving a single panicked swimmer, failing three times in a row. When he returned for his second attempt at the course, he aced it.
Contributing: Associated Press.