A little girl and her dad were stuck in a river that was getting higher, and it was really scary. But a brave young soldier came and rescued them, making their situation better. This person acted bravely and quickly to save two lives. They didn’t think about the dangers and showed great heroism.
In Fort Moore, Georgia, on Tuesday, Private Matthew Cole will be given the Soldier’s Medal. He will be recognized for his excellent actions in a serious ceremony at Fort Moore.
During Memorial Day weekend, Cole, who was in training, took a break in downtown Columbus, Georgia, near the Chattahoochee Riverwalk. He was with his family when he saw something touching. A dad and his 3-year-old daughter were standing on a dry part of land by the river. But this area would get flooded if the dam wasn’t closed.
Suddenly, the water in the Chattahoochee River rose because of the dam’s release. The peaceful area by the river turned chaotic. Visitors were told to quickly head to safety.
Cole talked about what happened while walking with his colleagues in a recent Army news release. He said that when the dam alarm went off, everyone got scared and started moving fast. A sad incident happened as the father and daughter struggled to escape the rising water. They tried really hard, but the strong current swept them away. It was a terrifying situation, and they didn’t have many options to get away. The rising water made it really difficult for them to move, and they were in danger. As the water kept rising, the father and daughter lost hope of finding a safe place. They were fighting against time and the strong current. They had no choice but to face the dangerous river because they were trapped by the flooding. This sad event shows how nature can be unpredictable and dangerous. Even when people try their best, sometimes it’s not enough in such tough situations. It’s really sad for the communities affected by this tragedy.
After seeing all this, Cole bravely went into the river to help.
Someone who saw what happened said that they recently saw a dad carrying his daughter. The dad was really worried, and that’s when the brave person stepped in to help. This rescuer acted quickly and with determination. They went into the river, even though it was risky, and saved the person in danger.
The little girl was saved and taken to safety, and her dad also made it to the shore without getting hurt.
The people who respond to emergencies called Cole a hero for what he did. They said he acted quickly and thoughtfully to save a family.
John Shull, who is part of the Columbus Fire Department, thanked Private Matthew Cole for being there on that difficult day. A witness also praised Cole for saving the dad and the 3-year-old. They said that without Cole’s bravery, the dad and child might not be alive today.
On Tuesday, Cole received the Soldier’s Medal for his brave and unselfish actions. This person’s courage is being recognized and praised by many.
According to spokesperson Zachary Harris, Fort Moore said that less than 300 Army personnel have received this medal, as reported by the Army Times.