Complex sentence: In 1989, Mr. Thomas Barnes was awarded The Soldier's Medal for distinguishing himself heroically during a gun battle with an armed felony suspect and while doing so, saved the life of a critically injured victim with multiple gunshot wounds.
Split into simpler sentences: In 1989, Mr. Thomas Barnes was awarded The Soldiers Medal, for distinguishing himself by heroism. The medal commended his heroic actions and valor during a gun battle/shootout with an armed felony suspect and saving the life of a critically injured victim with multiple gunshot wounds.