Retired Minnesota National Guardsman To Be Honored For Heroism

(KNSI) – Retired Army Sergeant First Class Michael Meagher is set to be honored Friday afternoon in Little Falls with the Soldier’s Medal.

Meagher is a resident of Long Prairie and was up in Todd County in December 2022 to ice fish on Swan Lake. A release from the Minnesota National Guard says he was in his portable fish house when he heard a man yelling for help.

Meagher worked quickly to get Doug Schmidt to safety, extending a sled towards him. Schmidt grabbed on and was pulled from the icy water. Meagher then walked Schmidt to his car and checked on him later at home, bringing some walleye for a meal.

Minnesota National Guard Deputy Chief of Staff Logistics Army Colonel Jesse Johnson says, “Sgt. 1st Class Meagher’s actions were not only an example of personal courage and selfless service, but his quick and heroic decision to save this man’s life had a generational impact.

“His actions created a bond between Meagher and the Schmidt family that will last beyond their lifetime. His personal efforts on that day are the perfect example of what being a service member in the Minnesota National Guard means: to serve our community members and to always be ready.”

The Soldier’s Medal dates back to 1926. It has been awarded to 18,520 service members since its inception. Meagher joined the military in October 2002. He retired from the Minnesota National Guard in early 2023.

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