According to the Washington Post, "The 10th-generation New Orleans native spent three weeks on the water in the chaotic aftermath of the hurricane, coaxing people into his boat, dodging their bullets, rescuing their pets and breaking into their houses for supplies when the city was dark, dangerous and uninhabitable. His efforts have been credited with saving more than 400 lives, a feat that prompted the Presbytere, part of the Louisiana State Museum, to put his boat on permanent display outside its main entrance in Jackson Square."

Read the full Washington Post story here.

The Presidential Citizens Medal recognizes citizens of the United States of America who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens and I feel no one better exemplifies this criteria than Ken Bellau.