Iowa Staff Sergeant is being honored with Iowa Medal of Merit

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — On Sunday, Iowa National Guard Staff Sergeant Nicolas Darland received the Iowa Medal of Merit.

Staff Sergeant Nicolas Darland performed lifesaving CPR on his co-worker Nathan Kessler back in December of 2023. SSG Darland says his military training and 12-year career contributed to his effective response.

Sunday, Darland received the award at the Oskaloosa Armory with his family and Mr. Kessler present.

“I’m very humbled, most importantly, the award aside, the greatest award is that Nate is alive,” said Staff Sergeant Nicolas Darland. “I don’t need any awards or accolades to remind myself that he’s able to still talk to his daughter and have that relationship and work on himself and grow.”

The Iowa Medal of Merit is the second highest award after the Iowa Medal of Valor.

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