Donald P. Sloat, United States Army: Distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Machine gunner with Company D, 2d Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 196th Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, during combat operations against an armed enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on January 17, 1970. On that morning Specialist Four Sloat’s squad was conducting a patrol, serving as a blocking element in support of tanks and armored personnel carriers in the area. As the squad moved up a small hill in file formation, the lead soldier tripped a wire attached to a hand grenade booby-trap set up by enemy forces. As the grenade rolled down the hill, Specialist Four Sloat knelt and picked up the grenade. After initially attempting to throw the grenade, Specialist Four Sloat realized that detonation was imminent. He then drew the grenade to his body and shielded his squad members from the blast, saving their lives. Specialist Four Sloat’s actions define the ultimate sacrifice of laying down his own life in order to save the lives of his comrades. Specialist Four Donald P. Sloat’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Company D, 2d Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 196th Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Division and the United States Army.

Donald Sloat was born in Coweta, Oklahoma in February, 1949. After attending Northeastern Oklahoma College he entered the Army on March 19, 1969 and was assigned at Hawk Hill Fire Base in the Republic of Vietnam when his heroic action took place. The Medal of Honor was presented to his brother, Dr. Bill Sloat, by President Barack Obama on September 15, 2014 in a White House ceremony.