Donald Sloat

One grenade. A split-second decision. And a 20-year-old American soldier who chose to save his comrades rather than himself. On January 17, 1970, in the jungles of South Vietnam, Specialist Four Donald Paul Sloat made a sacrifice that would earn him the Medal of Honor more than four decades after his death. His story is one of extraordinary courage, unwavering loyalty, and heroism that refused to be forgotten.

Born on February 6, 1949, in Coweta, Oklahoma, Donald P. Sloat grew up with a passion for football and a determination to serve his country. After attending Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, he repeatedly attempted to enlist in the United States Army despite initially failing his medical examination. He finally enlisted on March 19, 1969, completed training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and deployed to Vietnam that September. Assigned as an M60 machine gunner to Company D, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 196th Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, Sloat quickly earned the respect of his fellow soldiers.

His courage was already evident before his final mission. During two enemy ambushes, Sloat exposed himself to hostile fire while directing devastating machine-gun fire against the enemy. Both actions brought recognition for bravery. His combat decorations included the Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device and the Army Commendation Medal with "V" Device, reflecting his exceptional valor in battle.

But his greatest act of heroism was still to come.

On January 17, 1970, Sloat's squad was conducting a combat patrol near Fire Support Base Hawk Hill in Quang Nam Province, serving as a blocking element in support of armored vehicles. As the soldiers advanced up a hillside, the lead man triggered an enemy grenade booby trap. The grenade rolled downhill toward Sloat and his comrades. He immediately picked it up and attempted to throw it away. Realizing that detonation was imminent and that his fellow soldiers were dangerously close, he made an extraordinary decision.

Rather than seek cover, Sloat pulled the grenade against his body, absorbing the explosion and shielding his comrades from its deadly force. He was killed, but his sacrifice saved the lives of the men around him. He was just 20 years old.

His Medal of Honor citation commemorates his gallantry and selflessness beyond the call of duty. His sacrifice was also recognized by the Purple Heart. His military honours included the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze campaign stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with "60" Device, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm. His unit also received the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm. His Combat Infantryman Badge reflected his service as a frontline infantryman.

For decades, Sloat's family did not know the full circumstances of his death. His mother, Evelyn, eventually learned of his final act and worked to secure the recognition he deserved. On September 15, 2014, President Barack Obama posthumously presented the Medal of Honor to Sloat's brother, Dr. Bill Sloat, at the White House, bringing national recognition to a sacrifice made 44 years earlier.

Donald Paul Sloat rests in Vernon Cemetery in Coweta, Oklahoma, but his legacy extends far beyond his hometown. His life reminds us that the true measure of courage is not how long someone serves, but what they are willing to sacrifice for others. In the final seconds of his life, Donald Sloat made a decision that gave his fellow soldiers a future. That selfless act secured his place among America's most extraordinary Vietnam War heroes.