| Office of Public Affairs U.S. Coast Guard First District |
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| Photo/Video Release |
Date: March 7, 2008
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Coast Guard rescue swimmer receives Red Cross ‘Hero' award
Story and photo by Seaman Sabrina Elgammal
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| Petty Officer Nick Mills |
BOSTON- Coast Guard Petty Officer Nick Mills, stationed at Air Station Cape Cod, received the Red Cross 2007 Swim Rescue/Military Hero Award at its 6th Annual Heroes Breakfast in Hyannis, Mass., today for his brave actions during a rescue operation hundreds of miles offshore last summer.
Mills', from Buzzards Bay, and his Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter crew, were called June 4, 2007 to rescue two sailors in distress aboard a 33-foot sailboat in 15-20 foot seas and strong winds hundreds of miles offshore during Tropical Storm Barry.
"I never thought in a million years that I would receive an award like this," said Mills, a rescue swimmer. "I was just doing my job, and made sure I got the two sailors out of the water and out of harm's way."
Once on scene with the sailboat, Mills rapidly swam through the waves and recovered the two sailors after they jumped in the water, and got them safely into the basket. The entire mission took over seven hours to complete.
"This ceremony was a great way for the public to see the Coast Guard in action," said Capt. Dan Abel, commanding officer of Air Station Cape Cod. "It gives the Coast Guard recognition for the every day lifesaving activities that we do on and off duty."
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