Two Vietnam vets honored - President Barack Obama reportedly bestowed the Medal of Honor, America's highest military honor, on Monday, to a pair -one living and one who died in battle - of soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War.
Army Spec. Donald P. Sloat, one of the two Vietnam vets honored, was killed on January 17, 1970 during service, NBC News has learned. He sacrificed himself during a grenade explosion to save his fellow soldiers.
While he was with his company in the country, one of the soldiers tripped a grenade. "In that moment, he could've run," Obama said. But instead, Sloat picked up the grenade and held it close to his body, shielding his fellow squad members and taking on the full impact of the explosion. Because of Sloat's selfless act, all his comrades survived the explosion.
His mother knew her son would be awarded for his bravery one day and had even bought a dress for the ceremony, unfortunately, she died three years ago, Obama said. Dr. Bill Sloat, the soldier's brother, accepted the Medal of Honor on his behalf.
Army Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins, the other soldier in the two Vietnam vets honored ceremony, was present to receive his award. The 80-year-old from Opelika, Alabama stood straight with pride as the President hung the medal around his neck.
"Bennie performed so many acts of bravery, we actually don't have time to mention all of them," Obama said.
Adkins was a 32-year-old Green Beret in 1966 when he repeatedly brave enemy fair to help fight back an attack by the North Vietnamese on the Ho Chi Minh Trail, according to Reuters. He and several other soldiers were wounded during the attack, but he took on explosions to drag others to safety.
During the course of the 38-hour encounter, Adkins reportedly braved enemy fire to retrieve ammunition, shoot back at the opponent and help transport casualties to an airstrip. He led his fellow soldiers into the Vietnamese jungle for days and they were eventually rescued.
The Medal of Honor normally must be awarded within two years of the act of valor, but Congress reportedly made an exception to the two Vietnam vets honored.
"Sometimes even the most extraordinary stories can get lost in the fog of war or the passage of time," Obama said. "Yet when new evidence comes to light, certain actions can be reconsidered for this honor."
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