ATLANTA-- Former Georgia State baseball standout Chase Childers was awarded the 2026 Single Act of Heroism Award, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society announced on Wednesday afternoon. 

Childers was granted this medal of honor after giving his life to save five strangers last year. On July 13, 2025, Anderson "Chase" Childers gave his life while rescuing five strangers caught in a dangerous rip current off the coast of Pawleys Island, South Carolina. Without hesitation or obligation, Chase entered the turbulent water and helped bring all five individuals to safety before being overtaken by the current himself. His selfless and courageous actions saved lives and stand as a powerful example of service above self and heroism in its purest form.