Warren County native honored with Distinguished Flying Cross for July 4 rescue mission in Texas

KERRVILLE, TX – Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem on Friday presented military medals to four U.S. Coast Guard aircrew members for their heroism during catastrophic flash flooding at Camp Mystic on July 4.

The decorated aircrew responded to a life-threatening emergency after heavy rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to rise 26 feet in just 45 minutes, sweeping away cabins and stranding more than 200 campers.

Among the honorees was Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott C. Ruskan, a native of Oxford Township, and graduate of Warren Hills Regional High School. Ruskan received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery and quick thinking under extreme conditions.

“This is what the men and women of the Coast Guard do,” Noem said during the ceremony. “The selfless courage of this crew embodies the spirit and mission of the U.S. Coast Guard.”

As the rescue swimmer aboard MH-65E helicopter 6553, Ruskan made three attempts to reach survivors before volunteering to stay behind on the ground, where he triaged victims and coordinated the evacuation of 169 people under hazardous conditions, including rising water, unstable terrain and limited communications.

“These extraordinary actions ensured many lives were saved that day,” Noem said.

Other medal recipients included:

• Lt. Ian M. Hopper, aircraft commander, awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for launching the first rescue flight and navigating dangerous weather with near-zero visibility.

• Lt. Blair O. Ogujiofor, co-pilot, awarded the Air Medal for leading the coordination of two medevac helicopters and helping land in tight valleys amid limited visibility.

• Petty Officer 3rd Class Seth N. Reeves, aviation maintenance technician, awarded the Air Medal for ensuring a timely launch by preparing a second aircraft after a malfunction, and helping navigate in poor weather.

“In the face of devastating floods in Texas, this Coast Guard aircrew’s courageous actions saved lives and reaffirmed our vital role in protecting American communities,” said Adm. Kevin Lunday, acting commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.

The crew’s combined efforts directly rescued 18 individuals and helped facilitate the evacuation of 169 others, working in coordination with federal and state agencies.