Bravery in the Line of Duty: Specialist Donald P. Sloat’s Sacrifice

Specialist Four Donald P. Sloat served as a machine gunner in Company D, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 196th Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, during combat operations in Vietnam on January 17, 1970. On that morning, Specialist Sloat and his squad were conducting a patrol in enemy territory. Their mission was critical: they acted as a blocking force to support nearby tanks and armored personnel carriers in their area of operation.

As the squad ascended a small hill in a single-file formation, the lead soldier unknowingly tripped a wire attached to a concealed hand grenade, rigged as a booby trap by enemy forces. Within moments, the grenade began rolling down the hill toward the squad. Specialist Sloat, who quickly assessed the imminent threat to his comrades, knelt down and picked up the grenade. Realizing there was no time to throw it away before it detonated, he made an extraordinary decision: instead of dropping the grenade or retreating, he drew it close to his body to shield his fellow soldiers from the blast.

In an act of unparalleled bravery, Specialist Sloat absorbed the explosion, sacrificing himself to save the lives of the men around him. His selfless and heroic action protected his squad from certain injury or death, epitomizing the ultimate sacrifice of giving his life for his comrades. For this act of valor, Specialist Donald P. Sloat was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, forever commemorating his courage and dedication to his fellow soldiers.