National Guard Hero Honored with Iowa Medal of Merit for Life-Saving Act

Staff Sergeant Nicolas M. Darland of the Iowa National Guard, with his family at a recent awards ceremony.

Oskaloosa, IA — In a ceremony held at the Oskaloosa Armory on Sunday, August 18, 2024, Staff Sergeant Nicolas M. Darland of the Iowa National Guard was awarded the Iowa Medal of Merit for his exceptional courage in saving the life of a fellow Iowan, Nathan Kessler.

The incident occurred on December 18, 2023, in Peru, Iowa, where SSG Darland and Kessler were working together on a project. Kessler suddenly collapsed, suffering a massive heart attack. Without hesitation, Darland sprang into action, performing chest compressions and artificial ventilation until first responders arrived. His quick thinking and use of his military training saved Kessler’s life.

During the ceremony, Darland expressed his gratitude and humility. “The greatest reward for me is that Nate can still be with his daughter and live his life,” he said. Reflecting on the experience, Darland shared, “No amount of physical training that I’ve ever done in my life has even compared to that kind of exhaustion, because it takes everything you got, from the first pump to the last. You can’t stop because you’ve got someone else’s life [in your hands].”

The Iowa Medal of Merit, the second-highest state award next to the Iowa Medal of Valor, was presented to Darland by the senior leadership of the Iowa National Guard. The award recognizes acts of heroism and exceptional courage, a fitting tribute to Darland’s actions on that fateful day.

Darland, who was not CPR certified at the time of the incident, credited his military training with helping him respond effectively. “The only training I have is combat lifesaver course from basic training,” he explained. “Nate was dead, and I had to make a decision, and the only decision I could think of was, he has no pulse, so let’s give him a pulse.”

The ceremony also highlighted the emotional and psychological impact of such life-saving acts. Darland acknowledged the deep bond that has formed between him and Kessler since the incident, describing it as “a lifelong bond” akin to “caring for a family member.”

The event was attended by family, friends, and fellow soldiers, all of whom expressed their admiration for Darland’s bravery and selflessness. “Without us, the organization is just a piece of paper,” Darland said, thanking those who came to support him and his fellow soldiers.

This is the first time this award has been presented in seven years, highlighting the magnitude of the efforts of SSGT Darland.