Jonathan Bauer likely didn’t expect that driving along Route 90 would lead to him being declared a national hero.
In May, the 51-year-old leapt into the Assawoman Bay to save a drowning toddler who had been ejected from her family’s pickup truck in an accident.
Now, Bauer’s heroism is being rewarded with the Carnegie Medal, a prestigious national award that recognizes civilians who enter dangerous situations to save the lives of others.
Bauer, who is from Berlin, is among 17 recipients of the medal this year. The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission will also reward him with a financial grant.
A serious multi-vehicle crash on the Route 90 bridge occurred on May 2. During the accident, the toddler landed in the bay while her family’s truck teetered over the bridge’s guardrail.
Bauer, who was involved in the accident, exited his vehicle to check on the pickup truck. He noticed an empty car seat and the toddler struggling in the water.
Bauer then jumped 30 feet into the shallow water to save the toddler. The toddler was unresponsive, and Bauer patted her back until she coughed and spit up water.
Maryland State Police airlifted the toddler to Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore. She was released from the hospital and expected to make a full recovery.
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The crash injured seven other people who were treated at and released from hospitals.
Bauer initially wanted to remain an anonymous good Samaritan. However, he later decided to come forward to meet some of the first responders who served at the scene of the accident.
In May, Bauer received a plaque on behalf of Ocean City and personalized apparel from the Ocean City Fire Department for his actions.
Maddie Aiken is the community reporter for Delmarva Now/The Daily Times. Have a story tip or idea? Send it her way at maiken@delmarvanow.com or on Twitter @madsaiken.