U. S. Coast Guard Capt. Matt Baer (right), sector commander of North Carolina, presents U.S. Army Maj. Kenneth Leahy (left), the North Carolina National Guard state dental officer, with the Coast Guard Commendation Medal at the NCNG Medical Readiness Detachment on Dec. 3, 2022. Leahy was recognized for his heroism in saving a distressed 10-year old child from drowning in the ocean over 200 yards away from shore. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Leticia Samuels/382nd Public Affairs Detachment)
U. S. Coast Guard Capt. Matt Baer (right), sector commander of North Carolina, presents U.S. Army Maj. Kenneth Leahy (left), the North Carolina National Guard state dental officer, with the Coast Guard Commendation Medal at the NCNG Medical Readiness Detachment on Dec. 3, 2022. Leahy was recognized for his heroism in saving a distressed 10-year old child from drowning in the ocean over 200 yards away from shore. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Leticia Samuels/382nd Public Affairs Detachment)
Fort Bragg, N.C. – U.S. Army Maj. Kenneth Leahy, the North Carolina National Guard state dental officer, was awarded the Coast Guard Commendation Medal during an award ceremony at the NCNG Medical Readiness Detachment on Dec. 3, 2022.
Leahy was recognized before his peers, family and senior leaders for his heroism after rescuing a distressed 10-year old child from drowning caught in turbulent water over 200 yards away from shore.
“I was in the right place at the right time," said Leahy. "I thank God that I didn’t hesitate, and having my kids see me do a selfless act is its own reward. This isn’t the first time I have done it, and I will continue to do it. I can’t run, but I can swim!”
On July...
