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Two Vietnam War Veterans Awarded Medal of Honor

Vietnam War Memorial in Washington
Vietnam War Memorial in Washington / AP
September 15, 2014

President Obama awarded on Monday the Medal of Honor to two Vietnam War Veterans, Army Command Sergeant Major Bennie G. Adkins and Specialist Four Donald P. Sloat, at the White House.

"Now normally this medal must be awarded within a few years of the action but sometimes even the most extraordinary stories can get lost in the fog of war or the passage of time," Obama said. "And when new evidence comes to light certain actions can be reconsidered for this honor and it is entirely right and proper that we have done so, and that is why we are here today."

Sloat’s squad was on patrol when a booby trap sent a pulled grenade rolling right to his feet. Sloat grabbed the grenade and tucked it into his body to absorb the blast, killing himself but saving others.

Adkins was at an isolated camp when a large North Vietnamese force attacked. Adkins repeatedly exposed himself to fire to retrieve supplies, man the mortar pit, and carry comrades to safety. He sustained 18 wounds and killed an estimated 135-175 of the enemy.

Adkins accepted the medal to standing applause, as did Sloat’s brother.

"Over the decades our Vietnam veterans didn’t always receive the thanks and respect they deserved," Obama said. "But, as we have been reminded again today, our Vietnam vets were patriots and are patriots."

Published under: Military