United States President Barack Obama on Monday bestowed a Medal of Honor to retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Bennie Adkins for his services during the Vietnam War in 1966.

Adkins, now 80 years old, said being awarded the medal was a "humbling experience," adding that he dedicated the award to five fellow soldiers who "paid the ultimate price in the battle."

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During the awarding ceremony, the president said that in March 9, 1966, the soldiers camp in Vietnam went under attack, and Adkins risked his life to bring several wounded soldiers to safety.

All throughout the next day, Adkins continued to run through enemy fire and navigated through mortar rounds to defend his camp, which has been infiltrated by the enemy.

Following a massive enemy onslaught, Adkins and his fellow soldiers were ordered to vacate the perimeter. However, when his team failed to reach the extraction helicopter, Adkins led his men into the forest where they hid for two days before getting rescued.

In addition, Obama shared that at one point, when Adkins and his men were in the forest, they heard a growling tiger, which scared their North Vietnamese enemy.

"So the enemy fled. Bennie and his men were able to escape, and were rescued the following day," Obama said.

After serving his third tour of duty, Adkins studied and earned his bachelor's and two master's degrees, and founded an accounting firm.

Aside from Adkins, Obama also awarded a Medal of Honor to Specialist Four Donald Sloat, another Vietnam veteran.

Sloat died on duty at the age of 20.

The president recounted Sloat's bravery and self-sacrifice, saying that on Jan. 17, 1970, Sloat picked up a grenade that was accidentally activated by a fellow soldier.

Realizing that the grenade was close to exploding, Sloat held it closer to his body and bent over it, then the grenade detonated, the president said.

Sloat's heroism saved three of his comrades who would've also been blown up if he didn't do what he did.

Sloat's brother accepted the Medal Of Honor in his stead.

Tagsvietnam war, vietnam veteran, medal of honor, President Obama, human interest, military personnel