Coast Guard to present medals for men's heroic efforts during Baton Rouge floods

News Release

Aug. 2, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Heartland Contact: 8th District Public Affairs Office: (504) 671-2020 After Hours: (618) 225-9008

Coast Guard to present medals for men's heroic efforts during Baton Rouge floods

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New Orleans – The Coast Guard is scheduled to hold a ceremony to present a Silver Lifesaving Medal and three Meritorious Public Service Medals Friday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

• Who: Rear Adm. Dave Callahan, David Phung, Brandon Barrett, Jason Dixon, and Robbie Reynold
• What: Presentation of a Silver Lifesaving Medal and three Meritorious Public Service Medals
• When: 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 4, 2017 (media should arrive by 8:30 a.m.)
• Where: Coast Guard Cutter White Alder Memorial, 305 S. River Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Rear Adm. Dave Callahan, the commander of the 8th Coast Guard District, will present the medals to four men in recognition of their selfless acts of kindness.

The Silver Lifesaving Medal will honor David Phung for his heroics in saving a woman and her dog from a submerged automobile during a historic flooding event near Baton Rouge on the afternoon of Aug. 13, 2016. Phung’s selfless effort while placing his own life in danger prevented a certain death on this day.

The Meritorious Public Service Medals will honor Brandon Barrett, Jason Dixon, and Robbie Reynold for their involvement in the same rescue.

The Silver Lifesaving Medal was established by an act of Congress in 1874. It may be awarded by the commandant of the Coast Guard to any person who rescues or attempts to rescue any other person from drowning, shipwreck or other peril of water, at the risk of his or her own life.

Please contact the Coast Guard external affairs office in New Orleans with any questions or concerns at (504) 671-2020 or via email at 8District-External@uscg.mil. Media covering the awards presentation should arrive by 8:30 a.m. 

-USCG-