A Lifesaving Feat: Amelia Umstadter Earns Medal of Honor

On Tuesday, June 27, GSSD presented Cadette Girl Scout Amelia Umstadter with the prestigious Medal of Honor for her courage and action during an emergency at home.

When her father experienced a choking incident and fall that left him unconscious, Amelia initiated CPR and called for her mother, who dialed 911. Amelia performed CPR until he resumed breathing and emergency personnel arrived. Her quick actions saved her father’s life and allowed him to walk away from the incident with only minor injuries.

“For Amelia to maintain composure during a critical and emotional time is extraordinary,” said Carol Dedrich. “As GSSD strives to help girls develop the skills to improve their own lives and the world around them, Amelia serves as a shining example of the highest principles of the Girl Scout Promise and Law.”

The rare Girl Scouts of the USA Medal of Honor—one of the highest honors in Girl Scouting—is presented to young leaders who have shown heroism and sound judgment in an emergency to save a life without risk to her own life. Amelia is only the fourth Girl Scout from San Diego and Imperial counties to earn this honor in the last decade.