Petty Officer Scott Ruskan of the U.S. Coast Guard saved 165 people—mostly children—during catastrophic flash floods in Central Texas. On his first-ever rescue mission, Ruskan coordinated triage, led mass evacuations, and pulled stranded campers to safety. Hailed as an “American Hero” by Secretary Kristi Noem, Ruskan’s quick thinking turned Camp Mystic from disaster to salvation. The Coast Guard praised his composure and courage amid chaos, calling it one of the most successful solo rescues in recent history.
