For his actions, Midgett received which medal?

• A. Gold Lifesaving Medal
• B. Silver Lifesaving Medal
• C. Navy Distinguished Service Medal
• D. Congressional Medal of Honor

Answer: (A)

The key idea is recognizing the different honors for saving lives at sea and what each one represents. The Gold Lifesaving Medal is the highest award given for extraordinary heroism in saving lives at sea, recognizing acts that go well beyond normal duties under dangerous conditions. Midgett’s daring rescue qualifies as that level of extraordinary heroism, so the Gold Lifesaving Medal is awarded. The Silver Lifesaving Medal honors significant life-saving acts but not to the same extraordinary degree. The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is for exceptionally meritorious service in a naval duty, usually over a prolonged period or in a command role, not a single lifesaving rescue. The Congressional Medal of Honor is reserved for combat valor, not lifesaving at sea. Hence, the Gold Lifesaving Medal is the most appropriate recognition.