Jerry S. Parr ( September 16 , 1930 – October 9 , 2015 ) was a United States Secret Service agent who is best known for his notable act of bravery while defending President Reagan during the assassination attempt on Reagan 's life on March 30 , 1981 in Washington , D.C. . During the assassination attempt , Parr pushed the President into the presidential limousine , and made the critical decision to divert the presidential motorcade to George Washington University Hospital instead of returning to the White House . Parr was honored with U.S. Congress commendations for his actions that day and is widely credited with helping to save the President 's life
assassination attempt
Attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan
Jerry Parr