Coast Guard presents Achievement Medal to Winston-Salem, NC, native

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Jasmine Mieszala | Former service member Seaman Kimberly Fleshman poses for a photo after receiving the Coast Guard Achievement Medal at the Fleet Reserve Club in Annapolis, Md., Jan. 23, 2015. Fleshman was a crew member aboard the 45-foot Response Boat-Medium on a July 4, 2014, search and rescue case, helping save the lives of three people. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jasmine Mieszala)  

ANNAPOLIS, MD, UNITED STATES

01.23.2015

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jasmine Mieszala        

U.S. Coast Guard District 5   

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Coast Guard presented the Achievement Medal to Seaman Kimberly S. Fleshman Friday at 9 a.m. at the Fleet Reserve Club in Annapolis, for saving the life of three boaters in 2014.

Fleshman, a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was part of the boat crew from Coast Guard Station Annapolis that responded to the scene of a boating accident on the Severn River near Annapolis, July 4, 2014.

Fleshman prepared medical supplies as the coxswain navigated through the congested waterway in reduced visibility where spectators had gathered aboard approximately 600 boats to watch the Independence Day fireworks display.

Once on scene, Fleshman assessed the situation and identified the boaters who needed first aid.

Upon discovery of a significant amount of blood and glass on the deck of the disabled boat, Fleshman ensured all crewmembers were provided proper protective gear.

Fleshman administered first aid to a boater suffering from shock.

As other crewmembers cared for the injured boaters, Fleshman assisted the coxswain with taking the disabled boat in a side tow and mooring the boat to a nearby pier where emergency medical personnel were waiting.

The Coast Guard Achievement Medal is awarded to people who distinguish themselves for professional and/or leadership achievement in a combat or noncombat situation based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature.

"This case was the perfect example of why having assigned lookouts while underway, especially at night, are so important,” said Fleshman. “Like in most boating accidents, time was of the essence and our crew did a great job of working together and promptly getting the injured boaters the medical attention they needed."

The original press release is available here: http://www.uscgnews.com/go/doc/4007/2199442/

• Date Taken: 01.23.2015
• Date Posted: 01.23.2015 15:42
• Story ID: 152605
• Location: ANNAPOLIS, MD, US
• Hometown: WINSTON-SALEM, NC, US