Incredible Act of Heroism Earns Minnesota Man Prestigious National Honor

In the heart of Albert Lea, Minnesota, a quiet day on Fountain Lake turned into an extraordinary act of bravery. Now, that bravery is being recognized nationally.

Dalton Grose, a 25-year-old construction administrator from Waterville, has been awarded the prestigious Carnegie Medal for risking his life to save another in a crisis.

On September 20, 2023, Grose was out working on a boat with a coworker when a truck, driven by 85-year-old Dwight Weise, veered off a retaining wall and plunged into the cold waters of Fountain Lake.

Trapped inside his sinking vehicle, Weise faced a life-threatening situation as water quickly rose inside his truck.

Grose sprang into action, guiding his boat toward the scene and diving into the lake fully clothed to save Weise, whose truck was 60 feet from shore. The truck had begun to sink in seven feet of water, and by this time the water was up to Weise’s chin.

The water pressure made opening the driver’s door nearly impossible. Grose used his full strength and the leverage of his legs against the vehicle to pry open the damaged door.

In an incredible feat of heroism, Grose cradled Weise, pulling him from the truck as it continued to sink.

Grose then kicked away from the truck and pushed off the lakebed to reach the surface. Still cradling Weise, he took three powerful strides, submerging and resurfacing with each step, until he reached shallower, wadable water.

Grose carried Weise through the water before finally reaching safety near a dock ladder where bystanders helped the elderly man out of the lake.

Miraculously, both Weise and Grose walked away without injury.

Grose’s act of bravery is a powerful reminder of the selflessness that defines a true hero. His quick thinking and refusal to give up not only saved a life but has now earned him one of the highest civilian honors for heroism in North America: the Carnegie Medal.

The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, which awards the medal, honors individuals who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree in an attempt to save others.

Grose is one of the latest recipients, joining the ranks of thousands of other heroes across the United States and Canada who have performed incredible acts of courage.

It’s refreshing to be reminded that real-life heroes walk among us, right here in Minnesota.