RDD: Mother's Wish Granted With Military's Highest Honor

An Oklahoma soldier will posthumously receive the highest military honor: the Medal of Honor.

Friday, August 29th 2014, 7:34 pm

By: Karl Torp

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RDD: Mother's Wish Granted With Military's Highest Honor

An Oklahoma soldier will posthumously receive the highest military honor: the Medal of Honor.

The story of Army Specialist Donald Sloat from Coweta is now part of national and Oklahoma history, but getting it told turned into a family's crusade.

The 20-year-old was killed in action during the Vietnam War on January 17, 1970.

After a fellow soldier tripped a grenade booby trap, Sloat initially tried to throw the explosive but realized he didn't have enough time.

Instead, Sloat covered the grenade with his body and saved the lives of his fellow soldiers.

On September 15, Don's brother, Dr. Bill Sloat of Enid, will receive the Medal of Honor on behalf of his brother.

The Sloat family was first told Donald died after stepping on a landmine.

Through his mother's persistence, fellow soldiers came forward with the real story.

“I knew he tried to absorb that grenade," said Michael Muhlheim, who witnessed Sloat's death. "I could tell immediately.”

Sloat's mother passed away in 2011, but, this week, the family learned her dying wish of having her son receive the Medal of Honor was granted.

"This moment is about momma as much as it is about Don and his sacrifice," Donald's sister, Karen McCaslin said.

If you have a story to tell, go to our Red Dirt Diaries page, and fill out the form.

Karl Torp

Karl Torp is an award-winning journalist who’s been part of the News 9 team since 2012. He co-anchors the 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts on weekdays. Karl loves telling Oklahoma’s unique stories, and he’s also a huge sports junkie. He loves to think of trades that would help the Oklahoma City Thunder win a World Championship (despite knowing little to nothing about salary caps and luxury taxes).