Two Oklahomans Receive Medal Of Honor On Monday

Two Oklahomans received the military's highest honor on Monday at the White House.

President Obama awarded the Medal of Honor to Army Command Sergeant Major Bennie Adkins and to Army Specialist Four Donald Sloat.

Adkins, from Waurika, ran through exploding mortar rounds and sniper fire while moving injured men to safety during the Vietnam War. He killed an estimated 135 to 175 enemy men, while suffering 18 different wounds. 

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Adkins survived and said he is humbled to receive the highest military honor.

Sloat, from Coweta, died in the same war in 1970 after he threw himself onto a grenade to save his fellow soldiers. Sloat's brother, Dr. Bill Sloat of Enid, received the Medal of Honor on behalf of his brother.

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Sloat's mother passed away in 2011. Her dying wish was to have her son receive the Medal of Honor.