specialist four donald p. sloatited states army. specialist four donald p. sloat 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 machinegunner with company d, 2nd 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, s

congress, march 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of congress the medal of honor to pecialist four donald p. sloatd states army. he performed acts of gallantry above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a machine gunner with second battalion, 196th light infantry brigade during combat operations against an armed enemy in the republic of vietnam on january 17, 1970. n that morning, specialist a t's squad was serving as block. as they moved up a small hill, 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 sloat knelt and picked up the grenade. after initially trying to throw it he, realized that detonation was imminent. he drew the grenade to his body and shielded his squad members from the blast, saving their lives. ecialist sloat's actions represent sacrificing his life to save others. it is in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on himself and company d, second battalion, first infantry regiment, americal division, nited states army. applause] >> at thi