President Trump delivers a powerful moment of American heroism, reuniting Coast Guard hero Scott Ruskan with the young girl he saved from deadly floods, pinning the Legion of Merit on him live before a cheering Congress.
Story Highlights
- Trump honors Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskan for saving 165 lives in his first mission during 2025 Texas floods.
- Ruskan reunited onstage with 11-year-old Milly Cate McClymond, whom he rescued first after her desperate prayer amid rising waters.
- Award presented live during February 24, 2026 State of the Union, spotlighting real American grit over government overreach.
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem called Ruskan an “American hero,” praising Coast Guard excellence early on.
The Deadly Texas Floods of July 2025
Catastrophic flash floods struck Central Texas Hill Country on July 4, 2025, along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County. Waters rose 26 feet in minutes, devastating areas like Hunt, Texas. The disaster killed 135 people, including 27 at Camp Mystic for Girls, a Christian camp. Steep terrain amplified the rapid surge, sweeping away campers and infrastructure in unprecedented conditions. Multi-agency teams responded amid high winds and raging currents.
Scott Ruskan’s Extraordinary Rescue Feats
U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Ruskan, 26 from New Jersey, led rescues as the sole triage coordinator among 12 helicopters. On his debut mission, he saved 165 victims, hoisting them from perilous waters. Ruskan pulled 11-year-old Milly Cate McClymond first after she prayed for survival as floods engulfed Camp Mystic. His actions under extreme duress exemplified Coast Guard training and selfless duty. Noem praised his “selfless courage” on social media in July 2025.
Trump’s State of the Union Tribute
During the February 24, 2026 State of the Union address, President Trump recounted Ruskan’s heroism in vivid detail. A military aide pinned the Legion of Merit on Ruskan in the House gallery, recognizing extraordinary service. Trump reunited Ruskan with McClymond onstage for the first time, drawing a standing ovation. Trump called him a “young guy, but very brave,” highlighting American resilience in his politically charged speech to a divided Congress.
The live reunion and award elevated the moment beyond routine honors, fostering national unity. Coverage from February 25 emphasized the emotional peak amid ongoing media recaps.
Impacts on Heroes, Families, and Nation
Ruskan’s recognition boosts Coast Guard morale and could spur recruitment long-term. Texas Hill Country communities, grieving 135 losses including Camp Mystic families, find inspiration in survivor stories like McClymond’s faith-driven endurance. The narrative underscores traditional values of duty, family, and faith against disaster. Trump’s gesture sets a precedent for presidential tributes to first responders, reinforcing limited government reliance on everyday patriots.
WATCH: Trump awards a U.S. Coast Guard with a medal for rescuing Texas flood victims @WashTimes https://t.co/MX99O9LERg
— Washington Times Local (@WashTimesLocal) February 25, 2026
Uniformly positive reactions across outlets praise Ruskan’s debut performance, with no partisan divides noted. The story highlights effective disaster response without bureaucratic excess, a win for conservative principles of individual heroism and strong national defense.
Sources:
Trump recounts deadly Texas flood rescue, reunites camper, Coast Guard swimmer at SOTU
Scott Ruskan State of the Union Trump Texas floods
Texas flooding hero recognized in Trump’s State of the Union, reunited
Trump honors Coast Guard hero of July 4 Central Texas floods during State of the Union
