Coast Guard Academy honors Clarksburg, N.J., native's heroic actions

U.S. Coast Guard Academy Third Class Cadet Dillon Torno poses for a photograph with the Coast Guard Commendation Medal at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., Thursday, Jan. 12. Torno earned the medal for rescuing a woman in New Jersey during his summer vacation. U.S. Coast Guard photograph by Petty Officer 3rd Class Diana Honings.

NEW LONDON, Conn. — U.S. Coast Guard Academy Third Class Cadet Dillon Torno, 19, of Clarksburg, N.J., received a Coast Guard Commendation Medal Thursday, Jan. 12, at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy here.

During his summer vacation in New Jersey in 2011, Torno responded to a call for help on the international distress frequency while sailing with his father. He performed lifesaving service and first-aid assistance to a woman who had become distressed in the water and stayed with her until emergency technicians arrived.

“When I heard the distress call on the VHF radio, my training from the Coast Guard Academy immediately kicked in," said Torno. "I did not hesitate to respond to the boater, and I know any one of my fellow cadets would have done the same thing. That’s why we’re here after all – to answer the call and dare mighty things."

The award was presented by U.S. Coast Guard Academy Commandant of Cadets Capt. John O’Connor and Jeff Torno, Dillon’s father, during a ceremony among the Corps of Cadets.

"Third Class Cadet Dillon Torno's response in this case while on leave, enjoying a day on the water with his father, was the ultimate reconciliation of the competencies he has acquired through the academy's professional training program and his proactive response to a mariner in distress," said O'Connor. "The academy and the Coast Guard are very proud of Torno. His heroic actions resulted in the saving of a life and epitomizes the Coast Guard's motto of 'Semper Paratus, Always Ready.'"

Torno is a 2010 graduate of Peddie School and is scheduled to graduate from the Coast Guard Academy in 2014 with a degree in Civil Engineering.

###

Developing Leaders of Character since 1876.
The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.