In this undated photo provided by the US Army, Donald Paul Sloat is pictured.

Army Specialist Four Donald Sloat was killed in action at age 20 while conducting a patrol in Vietnam. On Jan. 17, 1969, a soldier triggered a hand grenade trap placed in his squad's path. He picked up the grenade to throw it away, but realizing the detonation was imminent, he shielded the blast with his own body and is credited saving the lives of three soldiers.

Sloat's brother, William Sloat of Enid, Oklahoma, accepted the medal on his behalf.

U.S. President Barack Obama awards the Medal of Honor to Army Command Sergeant Major Bennie Adkins for actions during the Vietnam War while in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., Sept. 15, 2014.

Army Command Sergeant Major Bennie G. Adkins salutes after U.S. President Barack Obama awards him the Medal of Honor for actions during the Vietnam War while in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., Sept. 15, 2014.

President Barack Obama applauds at right after presenting the Medal of Honor for Army Spc. Donald P. Sloat to his brother William Sloat, left, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Sept., 15, 2014.

Donald P. Sloat of Coweta, Okla., was killed in action on Jan. 17, 1970, at age 20. While on patrol, a soldier in his squad triggered a hand grenade trap that had been placed in their path by enemy forces. Sloat picked up the live grenade, initially to throw it away. When he realized it was about to detonate, he shielded the blast with his own body in order to save the lives of his fellow soldiers.

U.S. President Barack Obama, right, applauds after awarding the Medal of Honor posthumously to Army Specialist Four Donald P. Sloat for actions during the Vietnam War while in the East Room of the White House in Washington, September 15, 2014. Receiving the award is Sloat's brother, William Sloat, of Enid, Oklahoma, left.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel looks at U.S. President Barack Obama (L) after Obama hosted a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C.,  Sept. 15, 2014.

U.S. President Barack Obama  presents the Medal of Honor to Army Command Sergeant Major Bennie G. Adkins during an East Room ceremony at the White House Sept. 15, 2014.

Then-Sergeant First Class Adkins was awarded with the Medal of Honor for his actions during combat operations at Camp A Shau, Republic of Vietnam, on March 9 through March 12, 1966 while serving as an Intelligence Sergeant assigned to Detachment A-102, 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces.

Guests walk in before U.S. President Barack Obama awards two Medals of Honor for actions during the Vietnam War while in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., Sept. 15, 2014.