A U S Coast Guard rescue swimmer who pulled 165 people to safety during the devastating Texas Hill Country floods in the summer of 2025 was honored by President Donald Trump during the State of the Union address Tuesday.
U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Ruskan assisted in the evacuation of 169 people during the Hill Country floods. It was Ruskan’s first mission.
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U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskan conducted multiple high-risk rescues during the floods, ultimately saving the lives of 165 children.
Coast Guard hero rescues 165 people from Texas Hill Country floodwaters
Tuesday night, President Donald Trump honored Ruskan on the floor of the U. S. House of Representatives by having the Legion of Merit for Extraordinary Heroism presented to him.
In addition, Ruskan was joined by one of the children he rescued.
Milly Cate McClymond survived the flooding at Camp Mystic and was pulled from the water by Ruskan.
“He lifted not just Milly Cate, but 164 others to safety,” Trump said.
The two were seen together in the balcony as the crowd gave them a standing ovation.
