‘On the Way to Work’ Coast Guard Hero Honored

The Secretary of Homeland Security's Award for Valor has been presented by  Secretary of Homeland Security, Jeh Charles Johnson, to Chief Petty Officer Jesse Meerscheidt, a gunner’s mate at Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi.

Meerscheidt received the award for pulling a 36-year-old woman from a burning car after she was involved in a head-on collision last October while he was on the way to work.

“I am humbled and honored to be recognized by the Secretary of Homeland Security and am ever thankful to be able to help a person in need,” said Chief Petty Officer Meerscheidt. “My thoughts and prayers go out to all involved and hope everyone made a full and speedy recovery.”

PICTURE CAPTION:  Chief Petty Officer Jesse Meerscheidt stands alongside Vice Adm. Peter Neffenger, the Deputy Commandant for Operations to accept the Secretary of Homeland Security's Award for Valor,