A Coast Guard rescue swimmer credited with saving 165 people during the deadly July 4 flooding in the Texas Hill Country was awarded the Legion of Merit for “extraordinary heroism” during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday.
In a moment that brought the House chamber to its feet, Trump said Petty Officer Scott Ruskan was reunited for the first time with an 11-year-old girl he saved.
Trump hailed Ruskan for “extraordinary heroism” as he responded to the deadly floods that killed 27 campers and counselors and dozens of others in Texas last summer.
U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Ruskan is honored as U.S. President Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on Feb. 24, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
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Over 130 people were killed in the historic flash floods that tore through central Texas, including several young campers at Camp Mystic.
U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Ruskan, with camper Milly Cate McClymond whom he saved during the Texas floods, is honored as President Donald Trump during his State of the Union at the U.S. Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington.
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“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,” Trump said. “Those prayers were answered when Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan descended from a helicopter above.”
U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Ruskan, with camper Milly Cate McClymond whom he saved during the Texas floods, is honored as U.S. President Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, DC.
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Trump added: “And he lifted not just Milly Cate, but 164 others to safety. People watched Scott from a distance and they couldn’t believe what they were seeing.”