Lieutenant General Jacob L. Devers presented Slaton the Medal of Honor on June 7, 1944, in Algiers, Algeria.
Corporal Slaton's official Medal of Honor citation reads: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy in the vicinity of Oliveto, Italy, on September 23, 1943.
Slaton was lead scout of an infantry squad which had been committed to a flank to knock out enemy resistance which had succeeded in pinning 2 attacking platoons to the ground.
Slaton crept upon an enemy machinegun nest and, assaulting it with his bayonet, succeeded in killing the gunner.
Slaton's heroic action in immobilizing 3 enemy machinegun nests with bayonet, grenade, and rifle fire, the 2 rifle platoons which were receiving heavy casualties from enemy fire were enabled to withdraw to covered positions and again take the initiative.