FORT BENNING, Ga., (Oct. 14, 2015) -- "Greatness is not when people are watching you, greatness occurs when an opportunity arises and you have to live the Army values 24/7," said Brig. Gen. Peter Jones, chief of Infantry. "Whether somebody is looking at you or not, you execute personal courage, selfless service and duty."
1st Lt. James Lamoreaux, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, was walking the Chattahoochee River Walk around 6 p.m. with his wife on March 15, 2014, when he exemplified greatness. The two heard screams from bystanders and saw two boys in the river being swept away by the rapids near River Walk Island. Lamoreaux said he jumped into the icy cold water, swam more than 300 meters to the boys and pulled them to a nearby boulder in the middle of the river. He kept them there and calmed them until the Columbus Fire Department's River Rescue Team arrived by boat to take them to shore.
Lamoreaux was presented the Soldier's Medal Oct. 8 on Sledgehammer Field at Kelley Hill.
The Soldier's Medal is presented to any person of the armed forces of the United States or of a friendly foreign nation who, while serving in the capacity with the U.S. Army, distinguishes him or herself by heroism not involving conflict with an enemy. The performance must involve personal hazard or danger and the voluntary risk of life.
"1st Lt. Lamoreaux's quick action and personal courage reflect great credit upon him, the 199th Infantry Brigade, the United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence and the United States Army," said 1st Lt. Will Gullian as he read the accreditation signed by John M. McHugh, Secretary of the Army.
Jones, who previously served as the sledgehammer brigade commander, presented the honor to Lamoreaux.
Lamoreaux was an Infantry Basic Officer Leaders Course student back when the incident occurred. He credits his Army training as well as basic human instincts for his quick, instinctive response that night.
" ... if you see someone in need, you want to go rescue them, or at least go and try to help them," Lamoreaux said. He also worked as a lifeguard prior to joining the Army.
Lamoreaux said his wife Shannon was confident in his abilities to save the children and wasn't surprised by his instinctive action.
"Helping others is just engrained in his character," Shannon said.
Lamoreaux quoted U.S. Navy Adm. William Halsey who said "There are no great men, just great challenges which ordinary men, out of necessity, are forced by circumstances to meet."
"I am an ordinary Soldier, who just happened to be at the right place at a fortunate time," he said. "The true heroes are those who save people's lives every day with zero recognition."
Lamoreaux thanked the Columbus Fire Department and the Columbus Police Department for responding quickly and providing aid to the two children following his action's to rescue them from the river.
He said he was humbled to receive the recognition in front of all in attendance.
Jones said that he was being recognized in a battalion where heroics are not uncommon.
"There was a need, there was danger and there was an ability and a desire and yes, personal courage that says 'I have to do something, I have to make a difference,'" Jones said. "So he jumped in the water and made that difference."
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