Camp Lejeune Marine presented with prestigious award for rescuing drowning man on July 4

A Camp Lejeune Marine has been presented with a prestigious award for his heroic actions on July 4 that saved a man's life.

U.S. Marines and Sailors with 2nd Marine Logistics Group and the American Red Cross honored Sgt. Patricio Recalde Jr. on Dec. 7 for exceptional heroic actions performed by himself and another Marine on Monday, July 4 at Lake Lanier, near Atlanta, Georgia, according to a recent media release from 2nd Marine Logistics Group.

The release said Sgt. Recalde was awarded the Certification of Extraordinary Personal Action with the President’s signature at Camp Lejeune.

On July 4, Recalde and SSgt. Justin Le, B. Co, 4th Recon Battalion, Marietta, Georgia were on a personal watercraft, heading to shore, when they heard screaming from the shoreline, the release said.

The two Marines noticed both a man and a woman in the water. The woman was clinging to a life preserver and didn't appear to be in immediate danger, the release explained, but the man did not have a flotation device and was showing signs of serious distress.

"With complete disregard for their own personal safety, and despite rough water conditions, the two Marines rushed over and were able to pull the male victim out of the water and return him to shore," the release said. "The victim was completely exhausted and barely conscious. Simultaneously, a person in a kayak was able to retrieve the female victim, taking her to safety."

The release said it appeared the two victims had been riding a personal watercraft, lost control, and were thrown into the lake. The release added Lake Lanier is notorious for its severe water conditions and has been the site of several drownings this year.

Had Sgt. Recalde and SSgt. Le not taken immediate action, the release said it is highly likely the man would not have survived.

“The Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action is the Red Cross’ second oldest award given to individuals like Sergeant Recalde who step up in an emergency and help save or sustain a life,” said Executive Director of the Cape Fear Area Chapter of the American Red Cross James D. Jarvis. “His quick actions and sound decision-making helped prevent an unfortunate accident from becoming a tragedy and he is to be commended for his willingness to help others in distress.”

Reporter Morgan Starling can be reached at mstarling@gannett.com. 

This article originally appeared on The Daily News: Prestigious award given to Camp Lejeune Marine who rescued drowning man on July 4