Davitt Walsh made national headlines after saving a four-month-old baby girl from a sinking car just off Buncrana Pier last March.
Mr. Walsh jumped into the water after spotting a vehicle with six people inside slip down the gangway at the pier.
He managed to save baby Rionaghac-Ann, but the other five occupants sadly lost their lives.
Mr. Walsh has now received the Michael Heffernan Gold Medal for Marine Gallantry due to his brave actions.