A Sacramento native is given the Medal of Valor

Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamonte presented the Medal of Valor to the parents of

Army National Guard Private First Class Early Ditsavong

His act of bravery went beyond the call of duty...giving his own life to save another's.

Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamonte presented the Medal of Valor to the parents of Army National Guard Private First Class Early Ditsavong on Wednesday.

In 1998, Distavong responded to the calls for help from 10-year-old Justin Degraaf of Auburn who was stuck in a rough part of the American River. Police say Distavong helped the boy escape the strong current, but then disappeared under the water.

Distavong is a Sacramento native, graduating from Grant High School where he was a member of the school's Army J.R.O.T.C. Program.

The Medal of Valor is the state's highest honor and is awarded to those who perform acts of bravery.