Cass Ballenger: “some say that America lacks true heroes, and I disagree. Last Friday, I had the privilege to see a young man, a…”

“some say that America lacks true heroes, and I disagree. Last Friday, I had the privilege to see a young man, a constituent of mine, Navy Ensign Dan Johnson receive the Navy/ Marine Corps medal for heroism. On August 23, Ensign Johnson, a safety officer aboard the USS Blue Ridge, was working on a deck as the ship prepared to leave Pusan Harbor. During the course of that operation, a young sailor who was handling a towline attached to a Korean tug became entangled and was being dragged to what would have been certain death. Thinking quickly, Ensign Johnson jumped on the sailor and tried to free him, but he too became entangled in the line as it became tighter. In a final desperate attempt, Ensign Johnson was able to free himself and the sailor in the nick of time, but, in the course of doing so, lost both legs at mid-calf. The sailor lost a foot. In a time when there are too few heroes, Dan has proved that true heroes still do exist. His selfless acts will leave no doubt about his love and dedication to his service, his shipmates and his country. Dan embodies the highest standards of professionalism, courage and self- giving. The Navy should be very proud of this young man, as I and his family are. It is my hope that his actions will serve as a reminder of the sacrifices we call upon our young people to make while protecting our freedom and as an inspiration to everyone who now serves.”