For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 15 March 1967. While leading a platoon of Company B, First Lieutenant Sargent was investigating a reported Viet Cong meeting house and weapons cache. A tunnel entrance which First Lieutenant Sargent observed was booby trapped. He tried to destroy the booby trap and blow the cover from the tunnel using hand grenades, but this attempt was not successful. He and his demolition man moved in to destroy the booby trap and cover which flushed a Viet Cong soldier from the tunnel, who was immediately killed by the nearby platoon sergeant. First Lieutenant Sargent, the platoon sergeant and a forward observer moved toward the tunnel entrance. As they approached, another Viet Cong emerged and threw two hand grenades that landed in the midst of the group. First Lieutenant Sargent fired three shots at the enemy then turned and unhesitatingly threw himself over the two grenades. He was mortally wounded, and his two companions were lightly wounded when the grenades exploded.

By his courageous and selfless act of exceptional heroism, he saved the lives of the platoon sergeant and forward observer and prevented the injury or death of several other nearby comrades. First Lieutenant Sargent’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military services and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Sargent was born, raised and educated in Hampton, VA and is buried in the Hampton National Cemetery. In 2002 the city of Hampton named their seven story city administration building in his honor. He is the only Medal of Honor recipient from Hampton. His membership in the Legion of Valor was sponsored by Richard Rinaldo, DSC.