Delaware Coastguardsman awarded lifesaving medal

Senator Chris Coons and leaders from the Coast Guard’s Fifth District gathered at Coast Guard Station Indian River in Rehoboth Beach to present the Silver Lifesaving Medal to petty officer third class Caleb Mabry, a Wilmington, North Carolina native stationed in Lewes.

Mabry was recognized for saving the life of a drowning teenager, while off duty and recovering from leg surgery at Cape Charles, Virginia on June 21, 2015.

Mabry and a good samaritan entered the water after hearing calls of distress and swam to the victim 50-yards offshore. Mabry and the good samaritan kept the teenager’s head above water and brought him to shore.

READ MORE: Note to police: Thanks for the ticket

Despite strong currents and recovering from surgery, Mabry persisted and re-entered the water to search for another youth while local first responders arrived. Unfortunately, the other teenager drowned.

There have been approximately 1,900 prestigious Silver Lifesaving Medals issued since it was created in 1874. As a recipient of the Silver Lifesaving Medal, Mabry joins the ranks of individuals such as Gen. George S. Patton.

BACKGROUND: Teen drowns off Cape Charles

“To sacrifice or to risk the sacrifice of your own life for others, and in particular for a complete stranger, is the most powerful act of selflessness known to man,” said Senator Chris Coons. “We can all hope that we would have that courage. We can all believe, train and work for having that courage in the face of danger, but there are relatively few instances when we get to recognize someone who literally looked danger right in the eyes and had courage.”