Hurricane Isaac rescuers nominated for award

Sen. Mary Landrieu has nominated a father and son credited with rescuing dozens of neighbors from Hurricane Isaac's floodwaters for an award from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

The Louisiana Democrat said Friday that she nominated 53-year-old Jesse Shaffer III and his 25-year-old son, Jesse, for the Citizen Service Before Self Honors award because they showed "an extraordinary amount of courage, sacrifice and selfless service" during the storm.

Landrieu said the Shaffers used a boat to rescue 120 people and several animals while Isaac's winds and rising water prevented police and fire officials from reaching stranded residents in Braithwaite.

Three citizens receive the award every year. The awards are scheduled to be presented in March 2013.