Two Navy divers lauded for saving motorist

GROTON, Conn. — Two Navy divers will be presented with the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for rescuing a motorist from an icy pond near Rockport, Maine.

Navy Diver Third Class Thomas Parhiala Jr., of Salem, New Hampshire, and Navy Diver Third Class John McLeod, of Wiscasset, Maine, were driving on Route 17 on March 23, 2018 when a car swerved across the road, went airborne and then landed in the partially frozen Chickawausee Pond, officials said.

Both divers jumped into the icy water to save the motorist.

McLeod brought the unconscious occupant to shore and Parhiala made sure there were no others in the car, officials said.

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The divers will receive the medals from the commander of Submarine Forces, Vice Adm. Charles “Chas” Richard, on Wednesday at the sub base in Groton, Connecticut.

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