[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 159 (Friday, September 29, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E915]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE MERITORIOUS SELFLESS SERVICE BY MIDSHIPMAN SECOND CLASS 
                           MADISON O'DONNELL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 29, 2023

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Midshipman Second 
Class Madison O'Donnell who decisively acted with the valor while 
saving a gentleman in peril when attending the United States Naval 
Academy in June 2023.
  While driving near Santee Basin Dock, Maryland, Midshipman O'Donnell 
heard cries for help and halted her vehicle. Upon locating the 
distressed individual, she quickly ran towards the dock to rescue a 
gentleman who appeared to be drowning.
  Midshipman Madison O'Donnell aptly assessed the situation and 
proficiently deduced that a severe laceration was impeding the 
gentleman from pulling himself to safety. Without hesitation, she 
rescued the drowning man by pulling him out of the basin.
  Reprieved from the danger of drowning, Midshipman O'Donnell calmed 
the gentleman and administered first aid treatment. She then drove him 
home to his family who expressed immense gratitude for her meritorious 
and selfless assistance.
  In recognition of this act of valor, Colonel James P. McDonough, 
USMC, 89th Commandant of Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy, 
awarded Midshipman Second Class Madison O'Donnell the Navy and Marine 
Corps Achievement Medal for professional achievement in the superior 
performance of her duties as a midshipman on September 8, 2023.
  As the member of the U.S. House representing Midshipman O'Donnell's 
hometown of Greenfield Township, Pennsylvania, and the Member 
responsible for nominating her to the United States Naval Academy's 
Class of 2025, I am proud to celebrate Midshipman O'Donnell's admirable 
act of heroism.
  Midshipman Second Class O'Donnell's actions, dedication to duty and 
the preservation of life reflect great credit upon herself, our 
community in Northeast Pennsylvania, the United States Navy, and the 
nation. I am confident that she will have an exemplary career in 
service to our Nation, and I look forward to sharing in her successes 
in the future.

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