James Walker, the son of Frank and April Walker of Jennings and a member of Jennings Cub Scout Pack 65, has been awarded the Honor Medal by the Boy Scouts of America.

James, 9, will be presented the award for his heroism on Oct. 29. He is the grandson of Leo and Michelle Comeaux and great-grandson of Cliff Hernandez, all of New Iberia.

Due to a boating accident while fishing in the Ouachita River in Union Parish, James and his grandfather Barney Walker found themselves in the river without lifejackets. After his grandfather pushed him toward the river bank, he swam along the bank but did not see is grandfather. He got into the boat, put on his life jacket and used the trolling motor to troll out of the small bayou back to the main river. After starting the larger motor, he drove by himself for approximately two miles to the boat dock for help.

While driving, he began to wave a white id in the air to attract attention. Due to his quick thinking, he was spotted by a Wildlife and Fisheries agent, and was able to bring the agent to the exact location where his grandfather had drowned to recover the body quickly.