AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Rescue
MODEL:  MH-65E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Scott C. Ruskan, Aviation Survival Technician Third Class, United States Coast Guard. Petty Officer Ruskan is cited for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight as the Rescue Swimmer aboard Coast Guard MH-6SE helicopter 6553. On 04 July 2025, Camp Mystic in Kerrville, Texas was devastated by a catastrophic flash flood as the Guadalupe River rose an astonishing 26 feet in just 45 minutes, sweeping away cabins and stranding over 200 campers. Facing these dire circumstances, extreme precipitation, near-zero visibility, and the daunting challenge of rising terrain, he launched on the first Coast Guard aircraft, making three perilous attempts to reach the survivors. Facing rising floodwaters and unstable terrain, Petty Officer Ruskan volunteered to remain on the ground at a critical moment in the rescue operation, putting his own safety at great risk to save the lives of others. As the sole first responder at the chaotic Camp Mystic evacuation landing zone, Petty Officer Ruskan overcame crippled communications and dangerous conditions to triage survivors and expertly coordinated the evacuation of 169 people. Working with a dozen rotary-wing aircraft from the Department of Defense, federal, and state partners across two landing zones, he demonstrated extraordinary leadership and composure despite harrowing circumstances. Guiding groups of children and counselors through treacherous, debris-strewn floodplains, he instilled calm amidst the chaos and ensured their safe passage to awaiting aircraft. Petty Officer Ruskan's actions, skill, and heroism were instrumental in the rescue of 169 people. His courage, judgment, and devotion to duty in the face of hazardous conditions are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.