Stories of Services

While off duty, U.S. Coast Guard Yeoman Second Class Cody Dmochowski saved the life of a motorcycle accident victim who had been thrown from their motorcycle into a heavily wooded area.

Immediately after witnessing the crash, Dmochowski put his own safety at risk and rushed to the scene. He found the victim with severe injuries, suffering a compound fracture with significant blood loss, and he quickly got to work: simultaneously rendering aid, assessing the condition of the victim and relaying critical information to emergency dispatch. Aware of the high risk of spinal injury, he instructed the victim to remain still, preventing further injury while navigating difficult terrain to provide comfort and reassurance.

He remained on scene for over an hour to assist with the investigation and later traveled to the hospital to check on the victim’s condition. His commitment did not end there; he has since provided unwavering support to the victim and the victim’s family. Without Dmochowski’s immediate, decisive and heroic intervention, it is unlikely the victim would have survived.

In addition to his lifesaving actions, Dmochowski serves as a Company Commander at Training Center Cape May, where he is one of only 56 specialists in the Coast Guard entrusted with the profound responsibility of transforming civilians into military members. He expertly develops raw recruits, fostering trust while holding them to the highest standards of personal conduct, morality and professional skill. His leadership has been a critical force multiplier, especially as the Coast Guard has seen a 25% increase in recruit throughput without a corresponding increase in Company Commanders. Through his courage, dedication and exceptional leadership, Dmochowski embodies the highest traditions of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Yeoman Second Class Cody Dmochowski is originally from Brick, New Jersey, and is currently stationed at USCG Training Center, Cape May, New Jersey.

Story originally published by the USO: https://www.uso.org/stories/4093-meet-the-2026-uso-service-members-of-the-year