Deputy Attorney General

Department of Justice

12/27/1969

Special Act Award (Gold)

On December 27, 1969, Deputy Attorney General Denis D. Smaage rescued four duck hunters when their boat capsized during the cold and windy predawn hours in the flooded Yolo bypass. The rescue was hampered by choppy waters and high winds as well as the cold and darkness. Had it not been for Mr. Smaage’s calm optimism and total disregard for his own life during the four hours undoubtedly the men would have perished.