Master Sergeant David Blakley

Blakley braved dark, 40-degree water to save fellow passengers of a water taxi that flipped in Baltimore Harbor in March 2004.

He rescued a crewmate and a woman who had drifted from the boat while fellow guardsmen pulled people from the water.

Deployed for Operation Noble Eagle, Blakeley and three other guardsmen were returning from a tour of Fort McHenry when a fast-moving thunderstorm hit. Staff Sgt. Luis Nazario said Blakeley was the last passenger lifted from the water.

"Under that emergency situation, he was able to keep his leadership," Nazario said. "We don't have any doubt that he's got what he needs to hold that rank."

At home, Blakeley volunteers as a handyman for his church and serves on a sports committee at his sons' school.