The race was won by the United States in world record time.
While Charles Greene got a quick start, USA struggled with poor handoffs so East Germany in lane 4 was the clear leader on the backstretch, with Jamaica and Cuba the closest competitors and Mel Pender racing to catch up.
Through the turn Ronnie Ray Smith continued to chase Pablo Montes.
The East Germans took three attempts to finally make a handoff, losing ground.
Once with baton in hand Jim Hines was clearly faster than Enrique Figuerola, catching him halfway down the straightaway and on to a two-metre victory.