For Saving Motorcyclist’s Life, Embry-Riddle Army ROTC Cadet Earns Highest Honor Awarded to Cadets

Gargac’s father, Mitch Gargac, who served 26 years in the U.S. Army, and his mother, Monica, came to Embry-Riddle to see their son receive the highest honor awarded to Army ROTC cadets. (Photo: Embry-Riddle/Army ROTC Cadet Jessica Brady)

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Army ROTC Cadet Brandon M. Gargac has received the Medal of Heroism from the U.S. Army Cadet Command for his quick actions to save the life of a badly injured motorcyclist.

It is the first time that an Embry-Riddle Army ROTC cadet has ever received the Medal of Heroism, the highest honor awarded to Army ROTC cadets, said Lt. Col. Jerome Reitano, professor of Military Science at Embry-Riddle.

Col. Jason Dumser, the 6th Brigade commander of the U.S. Army Cadet Command (USACC), presented the prestigious medal to Gargac, a junior majoring in Aeronautics, at the Embry-Riddle Army ROTC’s year-end Pass in Review in April.

“The heroic actions taken by Cadet Gargac make all of us at Embry-Riddle proud, and it was wonderful to see him presented with this highest of honors here at our university,” said Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler, Ph.D.

Gargac was nominated for the award by Reitano for using the emergency medical skills he had learned as a cadet to assist an 18-year-old motorcyclist who had suffered life-threatening injuries after a crash.

“The actions undertaken by Cadet Gargac during this incident exemplify the epitome of heroism and underscore the highest standards of bravery,” said Reitano. “He has proven to be an asset not only to the Army ROTC program but also to the broader community by making a significant and selfless contribution during a critical moment.”

Gargac, from Galloway, Ohio, still vividly remembers the incident, which occurred May 8, 2023. He was at home on his first day of summer break after completing his freshman year at Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus, and he was headed for a workout at the gym.

“I drove over a hill and saw debris from an accident,” said Gargac. “The motorcyclist was badly injured and lost part of his leg.”

Fortunately, Gargac remembered the Army ROTC Tactical Combat Casualty Care skills he had learned. He used a belt, rope and sweatshirt he found in his car to apply a makeshift tourniquet to the victim’s severely lacerated leg to control bleeding until paramedics arrived.

“Responding without hesitation, Cadet Gargac displayed exceptional composure and resourcefulness in addressing the critical situation,” said Reitano. “He not only demonstrated competence but also showcased the strength of his leadership skills under pressure.”

Gargac’s parents, Mitch and Monica Gargac, traveled from Ohio to attend the award ceremony. Both said they were proud of their son, who is also an Eagle Scout.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing,” said Mitch Gargac, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel who served for 26 years. “It’s pretty special.”

Gargac is still in touch with the teen, who lost his leg but survived the accident.

“The Army ROTC training I got helped me in a tough situation,” he said.