A Fort Shafter officer will receive the Soldier’s Medal for Heroism on Tuesday for a dramatic ocean rescue of a tourist family on Kauai earlier this year. In April, Maj. Andrew “Drew” Downey witnessed two adults and an 11-month-old infant
A Fort Shafter officer will receive the Soldier’s Medal for Heroism on Tuesday for a dramatic ocean rescue of a tourist family on Kauai earlier this year.
In April, Maj. Andrew “Drew” Downey witnessed two adults and an 11-month-old infant hit by a rogue wave and swept into the ocean at Queen’s Bath on the North Shore.
“Without regard for his own personal safety, Maj. Downey jumped into the turbulent tide pool and rescued all three individuals and brought them to shore,” a press release said. “Thanks to Maj. Downey’s quick action, no one sustained injury.”
For his decisive action and unwavering courage, Downey will be awarded the Soldier’s Medal, the highest honor a soldier can receive for an act of valor in a non-combat situation.
The ceremony will be at Palm Circle Gazebo at Fort Shafter, Oahu.
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The Garden Island
