SP/4 Jerry Lawhorne a B Company member of the Battalion River Patrol Unit was working at the Dong Nai River Bridge boat docks when he heard a man crying for help. He turned and observed that another member of the unit was floundering in the water and was being swept away from the shore by the swift running tidal river.

     Realizing that the mans life was in danger, SP/4 Lawhorne plunged into the river and swam through the fast moving current to the drowning man. As soon as he reached the panic stricken soldier he was grabbed and pulled under water.

     Remaining calm, SP/4 Lawhorne freed himself from the struggling soldiers grasp while they were submerged, then pushed his comrade to the surface for air. He then brought the victim under control and swam toward shore.

     His heroic actions saved the life of a fellow soldier and on 27 January 1968 he was awarded the Soldiers Medal.