Heroic Coast Guard Crew Rescues 200 in Texas Floods, Earns Top Military Honors

A four-person U.S. Coast Guard rescue team received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medals in recognition of their brave actions in rescuing nearly 200 individuals during the catastrophic Texas floods over the July 4 weekend.

Rescue 6553, operating from Air Station Corpus Christi, was sent to Kerr County following severe rainfall that led to the Guadalupe River swelling over 26 feet, inundating extensive regions and resulting in the tragic loss of at least 129 lives. The team traveled 150 miles inland, facing challenging weather conditions and technical difficulties, to assist flood victims, including many children trapped at Camp Mystic.

Pilot Lt. Ian Hopper and rescue swimmer Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Ruska have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, a prestigious military honor recognizing their acts of heroism during aerial flight. Co-pilot Lt. Blair Ogujiofor and flight mechanic Petty Officer 3rd Class Seth Reeves have received the prestigious Air Medal.

Before takeoff, Reeves encountered a significant problem with their initial aircraft, necessitating an urgent change to a different helicopter. Inclement weather pushed back their arrival in Kerrville, necessitating Hopper to navigate solely by instruments. Upon arriving in the flood zone, Ruska immediately engaged on the ground, assessing the needs of over 165 individuals at Camp Mystic and orchestrating their evacuation via helicopter.

The Coast Guard team successfully evacuated 18 individuals and assisted in directing numerous other aircraft, facilitating the safe transport of nearly 200 people. Ogujiofor was instrumental in managing helicopter traffic to prevent mid-air collisions during the rescue operation.

“Amid the catastrophic floods in Texas, the brave efforts of this Coast Guard aircrew not only saved lives but also highlighted our essential mission in safeguarding American communities,” stated Adm. Kevin Lunday, acting commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Ruska praised the children he assisted as “the real heroes” for their composure during the crisis. “I had around 200 individuals, primarily children, all frightened, anxious, chilly, and experiencing what could only be described as the most challenging day of their lives,” he shared with Task & Purpose. “I needed to assess the situation and ensure they received the appropriate level of support.”

Efforts to locate those unaccounted for in Texas are ongoing, as many remain untraceable.