Correctional Officer

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

1/6/1962

Special Act Award (Gold)

On January 6, Correctional Officer Alvin E. Banta charged unarmed into the midst of a disturbance in a day room at the Correctional Training Facility, Soledad. Three inmates were stabbed, one fatally. Officer Banta, without hesitation or assistance, moved into the day room, separated the attackers from the victims and disbursed the inmates to prevent further rioting. Officer Banta then gave his immediate attention to the victims. The action on Officer Banta’s part was credited with saving many more people from being injured or possible killed.