ARLINGTON, VA., May 28, 2025 – Military Times and the Military Times Foundation have announced that Army Staff Sergeant David Quay has been recognized with the “Soldier of the Year” award for his extraordinary bravery and life-saving actions during a high-risk rescue mission at sea in November 2023. This prestigious award, presented annually for the past 24 years, honors one outstanding service member from each branch who has demonstrated exemplary military service going beyond the call of duty. Proceeds from the annual Military Times Service Members of the Year Awards event support a broad range of nonprofit organizations that serve the military and veteran communities.
In the aftermath of an aircraft crash approximately 50 miles offshore, Quay and his team responded swiftly. Amid the scattered wreckage of a downed helicopter, he identified a lone survivor. Multiple hoist attempts to extract the injured crewmember failed. In darkness, and under the threat of fuel contamination, debris, and live ordnance, Sgt. Quay volunteered to be lowered into the frigid sea.
Once in the water, Quay swam to the survivor and kept them afloat while enduring heavy rotor downwash from the hovering rescue helicopter. Unable to secure the rescue hoist due to the extent of the crewmember’s injuries, Quay signaled for the aircraft’s life raft. He then swam roughly 100 meters through debris-laden waters, guiding the survivor on his chest. When the rescue helicopter was forced to depart due to low fuel, Quay clung to the raft with one hand and held the injured service member with the other for 40 minutes until a boat could reach them. When pulled from the water, Quay was treated for hypothermia after being found with a core body temperature of 92.8 degrees.
Sgt. Quay’s heroism has been recognized with the Soldier’s Medal for Heroism, the Army Commendation Medal with “C” device, and selection as the 2023 Army Aviation Association of America Rodney J.T. Yano NCO of the Year.
“Staff Sergeant David Quay’s fearless commitment to saving a fellow service member at great personal risk reflects the highest ideals of Army leadership and valor,” said Michael Reinstein, Chairman of the Military Times Foundation. “We are proud to honor his selfless service and incredible courage with the ‘Soldier of the Year’ award.”
The Military Times Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the exemplary service of U.S. military personnel. The Military Times Service Members of the Year Awards ceremony is a premier event in Washington D.C., attended by congressional, military, and community leaders. Since 2019, the Military Times and its Foundation have donated over $20 million in cash and media value to more than 150 military and veteran support organizations, including Fisher House, Children of Fallen Patriots, TAPS, and Objective Zero.
Sponsors of the event include Fisher House Foundation, USAA, Veteran Benefits Guide, Leonardo DRS and Capital Bank. For more information on the selection process, history of the award, past winners, and other details, visit: servicemembersoftheyear.org
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