KINGS POINT, N.Y., September 7, 2022 - Two midshipmen at the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point (USMMA) recently received awards for their roles in assisting accident victims earlier this year while away from campus.

Midshipman First Class Angie Nguyen and Midshipman Second Class Natalie Thorn, members of USMMA’s Emergency Medical Services Squad (EMS), were honored and recognized at the September 2nd USMMA home football game against FDU-Florham during the Academy’s Parents Weekend celebrations. They received their honors at halftime from Rear Admiral Susan Dunlap, Deputy Superintendent (performing the duties of the Superintendent.)

During a spring break skydiving trip in Zephyrhills, Fla., Midn. Thorne witnessed a fellow skydiver crash into the ground after executing an improper turn. The accident occurred 75 yards from where Midn. Thorn was sitting after completing her first skydive. She immediately volunteered to provide emergency aid and noticed the patient had multiple life-threatening injuries. She proceeded to direct others to retrieve medical supplies while she assisted the victim until paramedics arrived to take over and transport the victim to the hospital.

Midshipman Thorn received a Professional Achievement Medal and a Citation for her actions. She was joined on the football field by her parents, Mrs. Bobbie Thorn and Mr. Paul C. Thorn, as well as by her brother Jimmy. Her citation reads, in-part, that Midn. Thorn’s “professionalism, perseverance, and personal initiative reflected great credit upon herself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Maritime Service.”

Midshipman Nguyen was driving in Aurora, Colo., to Denver on the evening of June 27th when she encountered a serious automobile accident. As she passed the accident scene, she observed a male victim being carried out of a wrecked vehicle, and she pulled over to offer emergency medical assistance. For approximately 15 minutes, Midn. Nguyen provided care until relieved by life-saving units from the local emergency departments.

Midshipman Nguyen received a Professional Achievement Medal and was joined on the field by her father, Mr. Tam Nguyen, and by her sister, Lyn. Her citation states, “Midn. Nguyen’s actions live up to the highest standards set forth in the USMMA EMS program and reflect great credit upon herself, the USMMA EMS program, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy. May her actions serve as a model and inspiration for all Academy EMS personnel.”