Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta to receive the Medal of Honor

[JK07]

President Obama plans to award the first Medal of Honor to a living soldier for heroism in Afghanistan or Iraq.

Previous medals have gone to families of the fallen.


From the White House:

Yesterday, President Obama spoke with Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta to inform him that he will be awarded the Medal of Honor for acts of gallantry (in Afghanistan) at the risk of his life that went above and beyond the call of duty. Sergeant Giunta will be the first living service member to be awarded the Medal of Honor for service in Iraq or Afghanistan. The President thanked Sergeant Giunta for his service and extraordinary bravery in battle.

Further information about the date and time of the ceremony will be released at a later date.

Then-Specialist Giunta distinguished himself by acts of gallantry at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifle team leader with Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment during combat operations against an armed enemy in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan on October 25, 2007.

When an insurgent force ambush split Specialist Giunta's squad into two groups, he exposed himself to enemy fire to pull a comrade back to cover. Later, while engaging the enemy and attempting to link up with the rest of his squad, Specialist Giunta noticed two insurgents carrying away a fellow soldier. He immediately engaged the enemy, killing one and wounding the other, and provided medical aid to his wounded comrade while the rest of his squad caught up and provided security. His courage and leadership while under extreme enemy fire were integral to his platoon's ability defeat an enemy ambush and recover a fellow American paratrooper from enemy hands.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2010/09/obama-to-award-medal-of-honor-to-living-soldier/1?csp=34news


Its definitely well deserved. Most would agree that its BS that there hasn't been a living MOH recipient since Vietnam. Hopefully this will lead to other deserving individuals being given the highest accolade our nation can bestow.

Very well done Mr. Giunta. You make me proud to be an American.

[Flying Pig]

Wow! To be a 25 yr old Soldier with an entire career ahead of you (should he choose to stay in). That should be a ride. I hope he happily enjoys the rest of whatever he choses to do in life.
Question...When people are put in for the MoH are they kept up to speed on the status of the award moving through Congress, etc. or do they just get nailed with a phone call on morning standing in the chow line? I mean did he know this was coming?

[alan243]

I showed this to my daughter and told her that true hero's still exsist.... Thank you SGT!

[Petey]

It is about time. I know of several other stories that IMHO deserve the Medal Of Honor. I'm thrilled that this guy is a living breathing Hero, good for the Army.

[Txchris]

The firefight that he earned the MOH for is in the movie Restrepo. Mostly the aftermath is shown, but it's pretty intense.

Chris

[JDAM]

‎"Giunta gets hit in his front plate and in his assault pack and he barely
notices except that the rounds came from a strange direction. Sheets of
tracers are coming from his left, but the rounds that hit him seemed to
come from dead ahead. He’s down in a small washout along the trail
here the lip of packed earth that should have protected him, but it didn’t.
“That’s when I kind of noticed something was wrong,” Giunta said. “The
rounds came right down the draw and there are three people — all
friends — in the same vicinity. It happened so fast....

When Gallardo goes down with a bullet to the helmet, Giunta runs over to
him to drag him behind cover, but Gallardo gets back on his feet
immediately. They’re quickly joined by Giunta’s SAW gunner, PFC Casey,
and the three men start pushing forward by throwing hand grenades and
sprinting between the blasts. Even enemy who are not hit are so
disoriented by the concussion that they have trouble functioning for a
second or two. The group quickly makes it to Eckrode, who’s wounded and
desperately trying to fix an ammo jam in his SAW, and Gallardo and Casey
stay with him while Giunta continues on his own. He throws his last
grenade and then sprints the remaining ground to where Brennan should
be. The Gatigal spur is awash in moonlight, and in the silvery shadows
of the holly forests he sees two enemy fighters dragging Josh Brennan
down the hillside. He empties his M4 magazine at them and starts running
toward his friend.

The Army has a certain interest in understanding what was going through
Giunta’s mind during all of this, because whatever was going through his
mind helped save the entire unit from getting killed."
Additional information (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/09/10/sgt-salvatore-giunta-awarded-medal-honor/?test=latestnews)

That's one hell of a fighter right there.

My instinct is telling me that we are possibly looking at a future general (if he chooses that path).

Thank you for your service.

[LRS Guy]

Good on him! Thank you Sky Soldier for your service!

[Little Fix]

The warrior culture is alive and well.

[Dekeish]

After reading the article that was posted on Yahoo, I was so taken aback by the complete humility with which the Sergeant is dealing with receiving the recognition, as his father was quoted as saying his son mentioned he had just done what every other soldier would have done. I find that to be a common trait among the uncommonly brave men and women who serve. I am proud and honored to know such men serve our nation.

[MoonDog]

That's one hell of a fighter right there.

My instinct is telling me that we are possibly looking at a future general (if he chooses that path).

Becoming an officer would a total waste of a great warrior....this trooper needs to become CSM of the Army!!! :cool:

[BlackAdam01]

I would be proud to salute that WARRIOR and I am glad he is on our side! Thank you Staff Sergeant for your service to this Great Country!!

[agonyea]

Such courage, He's lucky to be alive. He is well deserved of such an honor.
Its a matter of time before He goes to OCS, or gets a direct commision, if He decides to stay in the Army.

[Flying Pig]

Unless I missed it, he was never wounded? A MoH at the top of your stack with no Purple Heart. Now thats cool!:biggrin:

[timmah5]

I gotta say, reading the posted accounts and quick search accounts of SSG Giunta's actions put a bit of a lump in my throat and an enormous swelling of pride in my chest this morning.

Thank you for your service brother; good luck in all of your future endeavors! This is a man worthy of the title "Warrior". It really burns me to see how liberally that term is applied these days.

Well deserved!

[RGR.Montcalm]

I gotta say, reading the posted accounts and quick search accounts of SSG Giunta's actions put a bit of a lump in my throat and an enormous swelling of pride in my chest this morning.

Thank you for your service brother; good luck in all of your future endeavors! This is a man worthy of the title "Warrior". It really burns me to see how liberally that term is applied these days.

Well deserved!

x 1000!

Say what you want about the present generation that spends its time at the mall but we have some real warriors filling the ranks these days.

Remember these guys and gals signed up in the midst of a shooting war, knowing they will most probably be deployed.

damn the dust in this office this morning...;):biggrin:

[bubblehead]

Persons Entitled to a Salute

-- The President of the United States (Commander-in-Chief)
-- Commissioned Officers and Warrant Officers
-- Any Medal of Honor Recipient
-- Officers of Friendly Foreign Countries


Well deserved...

[heavyguns1/1]

This younger generation of Warrior continues to do outstanding work.
Thank you

[RetPara]

Flying Pig try this link...

http://www.army.mil/MEDALOFHONOR/process.html

also AR 600-8-22 Chapter 3

[Geronimo82]

Heard about this when I got back from an offsite training event on Friday (on AOLnews of all places). I told my dad over the weekend that this is going to be better for everone by giving a modern example that doesn't involve being KIA.

And to SSG Giunta: Hooah Airborne!

[Hawkeye]

Unless I missed it, he was never wounded? A MoH at the top of your stack with no Purple Heart. Now thats cool!:biggrin:
I saw a picture of him this morning, he had PH on his rack.

[Seamus]

Look up the other war on you tube. 173rd in the Korengal. I believe some of his actions are captured on film. I could be wrong.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSIUVKP1MvU

[redhawk]

Interview with SSG Giunta: http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/transcript-abc-news-martha-raddatz-interviews-author-tim/story?id=11638039

[Rooprakoopa]

Wow...what a badass. He definitely deserves to be recognized for his heroic actions.

[worknk9]

here are links to SSG Salvatore Giunta telling his story.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQVtCDKAR5c&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiMP1A1qhp8&feature=player_embedded

[GatorJr.]

This was such a great story when it came out the day before 9/11. It really made my day, and after having recounted the chaos and horror which ensued the attacks nine years prior, I couldn't help but get teary eyed thinking of this great American. Fortunately for us all, there exists no lack of such bravery and courage within the United States Armed Forces.

[Miguel]

Yesterday's "60 Minutes" had a story on SSG Giunta that was exceptional and well done.

I was left teary eyed watching it.

I can't even fathom what it must have felt like to see a couple of Taliban/AQ, carrying off one of my Brothers. I think SSG Giunta hit the nail on the head, when he said "I just happen to be the guy in the position that day".

Well deserved and certainly a humble stud. I wish him well along with all of his Soldiers.

[OldSwabbie]

Yesterday's "60 Minutes" had a story on SSG Giunta that was exceptional and well done.

I was left teary eyed watching it.

I can't even fathom what it must have felt like to see a couple of Taliban/AQ, carrying off one of my Brothers. I think SSG Giunta hit the nail on the head, when he said "I just happen to be the guy in the position that day".

Well deserved and certainly a humble stud. I wish him well along with all of his Soldiers.


I'm with you.. If I saw that.. I cant even imagine the RAGE that would fill my being.. Hell, I get angry thinking about it... and shudder to think of the outcome if Sgt Giunta hadn't seen them. Just like the brave men in battles of every conflict.. there are some who by fate or by disposition step into the annals of the history of our Country as heros. This young man represents all the BEST things about being an American Soldier..

[SHYTE]

Words cannot speak highly enough of that man. Anybody know what time the ceremony is scheduled on Tuesday?

[Muldoon7]

The President will award SSG Guinta the Medal of Honor in a ceremony that will begin at 1PM Eastern time. It is being aired live on CNN.

[RGR.Montcalm]

Wall Street Journal
November 16, 2010
Pg. 19

Main Street

The Newest Medal Of Honor

The man who has earned it is the first from this war to live to see it.

By William McGurn

At one o'clock today in the East Room of the White House, an Iowa-born soldier will receive the nation's highest decoration for valor in combat. In our nine-year war in Afghanistan and Iraq, this is only the eighth Medal of Honor. Even more rare, the man who has earned it is the first from this war to live to see the president place it around his neck.

The soldier is Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta. On Oct. 25, 2007, then-Specialist Giunta and his team were on a mountain ridge in Afghanistan's violent Korengal Valley when they were ambushed by the Taliban. He took a bullet stopped by a protective vest as he helped pull one soldier to safety.

Then he went forward to help the sergeant, Joshua Brennan, who had been walking point. Two Taliban were carrying Sgt. Brennan away. Spec. Giunta shot the Taliban and brought Sgt. Brennan back.

Here we are reminded that in war there are few storybook endings: Sgt. Brennan would soon die of his wounds.

As a speechwriter for George W. Bush, it was my privilege to write speeches for some of these Medal of Honor ceremonies. Words, however, cannot capture what it's like to watch the surviving moms, dads, brothers, wives and sisters standing up there with a president, hearts bursting with pride over their loved one's achievement, aching with a loss that will never be filled. Because he has lived, Sgt. Giunta's ceremony will be a happier occasion.

Not that he's ready to be called a hero. "I'm not at peace with that at all," he said on "60 Minutes" Sunday night. "And coming and talking about it and people wanting to shake my hand because of it, it hurts me because it's not what I want. And to be with so many people doing so much stuff and then to be singled out . . ."Sgt. Giunta's words, of course, remind us that he does not need this ceremony. The ceremony is for the rest of us. It reminds us of the sacrifices made so we can sleep easy at night—and of the kind of fighting man our society has produced.

What kind of man is that? When we think of military heroism, we may think of Rambos decorated for great damage inflicted on the enemy. In fact, the opposite is true. Every Medal of Honor from these wars has been for an effort to save life. Even more telling, each specifically recognizes bravery that cannot be commanded.

Of the eight who have earned it, three—Army Pfc. Ross McGinniss, Navy Petty Officer Michael Monsoor, Marine Cpl. Jason Dunham—threw themselves on grenades to protect their comrades. Navy Lt. Michael Murphy knowingly exposed himself to enemy fire so he could call in help for his team.

Army Staff Sgt. Jared Monti died trying to rescue a fellow soldier. Army Staff Sgt. Robert Miller was killed while diverting gunfire from Taliban forces so his team could carry their commander to safety. Army Sgt. First Class Paul Ray Smith—the first from these wars to earn the Medal—took on an overwhelming Iraqi force from a machine gun atop a disabled armored personnel carrier, allowing the safe withdrawal of many wounded American soldiers.

On that ridge in Afghanistan, Salvatore Giunta could not save his sergeant. But he did deprive the enemy of its victory—and death of some of its sting. In that same "60 Minutes" segment, a fellow soldier (who earned a Silver Star in the same firefight) put it this way. "The last thing Brennan ever saw was us," says Sgt. Erick Gallardo. "You know, he saw us fighting for him. . . . We fought for him and he's home with his family now because of that." It's a soldier's gift. Because of Sgt. Giunta, the family of Josh Brennan know that when their loved one breathed his last, he did so knowing he was among friends willing to put their own lives at risk for him.

There was a day when our highest military distinction would be understood for both the rarity and the honor that it is. It no longer seems to work that way. Maybe it's the price of an all-volunteer professional force. When more of us served, we knew what a Medal of Honor meant—and we knew about Silver Stars, Distinguished Service Crosses, and Bronze Stars too.

Whatever the reason, it's unrealistic to expect any nation, even a wartime America, to spend every hour commemorating those who defend us. Which is precisely why we have the Medal of Honor, and the public ceremonies attached to it. For a brief, national moment, a warrior is held up to the American people as an example to his fellows—and the embodiment of our highest ideals.

Today at the White House, Barack Obama and Salvatore Giunta will give us such a moment. Let's hope we're not too busy to notice.


The section in bold above just proves that SSG Guinta is REALLY a noble, humble hero, IMHO.

[Husker19D30]

On the one hand I want to see him feted and honored in every way imaginable. At the same time, he's a humble midwestern Soldier and is obviously not comfortable with fame.

The news accounts seem to focus primarily on his saving the life of Sergeant Brennan, when in fact his actions disrupted the ambush that would have destroyed his entire platoon. But the tactical concepts are a little difficult to break down, I guess.

[Muldoon7]

Sal is a beast along with the rest of the men of 2/503rd Airborne Infantry (TF Rock) from OEF VIII. Alot of great men from this battalion did alot of great things. Too many good men died as well. There are two other MOH nominations pending (both posthusmous) approval from this battalion during this rotation. Attached is a short summary of the Battalion's awards during the rotation. Note, two more soldiers were awarded Distinguished Service Cross's after this was published. [URL="http://www.stripes.com/military-life/rock-solid-battalion-1.92728"]

V/R
Mark

[Purple36]

Our office came to a standstill for the past 30 minutes, watching the President award the MOH.

[Ole crusty bastard]

CNN had a picture of SSG Giunta and alongside was a picture of England's Prince William, I like our royalty a lot better.

[The Sheepdog]

CNN had a picture of SSG Giunta and alongside was a picture of England's Prince William, I like our royalty a lot better.

I certainly second that.

[CPTAUSRET]

CNN had a picture of SSG Giunta and alongside was a picture of England's Prince William, I like our royalty a lot better.

Damn straight!

[kenshinw3]

Our office came to a standstill for the past 30 minutes, watching the President award the MOH.

We did the same. Total silence as we observed. Incredible young warrior! Makes one proud to be an American knowing we have incredible people serving.

[The91Bravo]

His 60 minutes interview was awesome, he called himself a 'mediocre' soldier.

The reporter said, 'not bad for a mediocre soldier'

he replied, just imagine the 'great soldiers'

to say I was moved was an understatement

[lavbo0321]

Outstanding story!

I just watched an interview of this Soldier and I noticed again, that they always do these interviews in Motor pools. What''s the deal. And the soldiers always look out of place, thinking....'why am in a motor pool'... just a random observation.

[Hawkeye]

His 60 minutes interview was awesome, he called himself a 'mediocre' soldier.

The reporter said, 'not bad for a mediocre soldier'

he replied, just imagine the 'great soldiers'

to say I was moved was an understatement

I agree, what a humble man he is.

[TPD1280]

For those who missed the ceremony:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2RWscJM97U

Congratulations SSG Giunta, and Thank You.

[Decon]

Thank you

[schibbs]

Pretty cool stuff!

[The91Bravo]

Watching him on Letterman right now

[Husker19D30]

He's doin great.

[Trig]

Saw that. This young man is representing himself and the Armed Services very well. He is modest and would give it all back...... Well Done Staff Sgt.

[Hopeless Civilian]

I DVR'd it so I could watch this morning. Of course Letterman asked all the cliched questions but SSGT Giunta handled it well, and was humble and funny and a great example for our service men and women today. "I just wanted the free t-shirt"! :biggrin:. You could tell he was uncomfortable recounting his heroic deeds.

On this Thanksgiving Day, I'm especially grateful for SSGT Giunta and the many others just like him, on whose shoulders our freedoms rest.

[Doc_KB1974]

This has moved me on more than one occasion. I am so proud of him!!

[Local]

Makes you proud to be an American... and want to be a better one.

Thank you

- local

[Corsair]

About time we got a living Medal of Honor Awardee. Congrats!!!

[CCo275]

"On that ridge in Afghanistan, Salvatore Giunta could not save his sergeant. But he did deprive the enemy of its victory—and death of some of its sting. In that same "60 Minutes" segment, a fellow soldier (who earned a Silver Star in the same firefight) put it this way. "The last thing Brennan ever saw was us," says Sgt. Erick Gallardo. "You know, he saw us fighting for him. . . . We fought for him and he's home with his family now because of that." It's a soldier's gift. Because of Sgt. Giunta, the family of Josh Brennan know that when their loved one breathed his last, he did so knowing he was among friends willing to put their own lives at risk for him."


MAN! If that doesn't get you then nothing will. Way to go American Warrior!

[CarbineM1]

"On that ridge in Afghanistan, Salvatore Giunta could not save his sergeant. But he did deprive the enemy of its victory—and death of some of its sting. In that same "60 Minutes" segment, a fellow soldier (who earned a Silver Star in the same firefight) put it this way. "The last thing Brennan ever saw was us," says Sgt. Erick Gallardo. "You know, he saw us fighting for him. . . . We fought for him and he's home with his family now because of that." It's a soldier's gift. Because of Sgt. Giunta, the family of Josh Brennan know that when their loved one breathed his last, he did so knowing he was among friends willing to put their own lives at risk for him."


MAN! If that doesn't get you then nothing will. Way to go American Warrior!


Job well done Staff Sgt

[Skidder]

There is a pretty funny thread elsewhere on this site, talking about the 'pro' football player who said his getting boo'd on the football field was like booing a soldier. What a goober!

SSgt Giunta, on the other hand... although he considers himself "just an average guy". (and for an infantryman, he may be just an average guy) but as an example for kids to look up to, he is far above average. Although HERO has been, in my opinion, grossly overused in the last few years...in this case it fits.

I don't think he is a 'hero' because he 'did his job', as he put it; not because he got shot at, either, tons of people have gotten shot at. I would call him a HERO because of the way he carries himself after the spotlights came on, he rose to that challenge. No tooting his own horn, no attention grabbing end-zone dance, no 'give me my 15 minutes of fame, reality show antics'...just what appears to be a very genuinely good human being. Loves his wife, his country, and the guys he serves with...AWESOME.

This is the role model for our kids today!

[Oldpogue]

SSGT Giunta will be honored at the Bears-Patriots game at Soldier Field in Chicago tomorrow.

[Spinner]

It's shame the weather took a turn for the worse, but as a Sun Times article pointed out, he's been through worse.

http://www.suntimes.com/2817756-417/bears-giunta-field-honor-medal.html

SSG Giunta grew up rooting for the Bears, and I hope he gets another opportunity, or 100, to come back and see them play in slightly better weather.

[Sigi]

"The last thing Brennan ever saw was us," says Sgt. Erick Gallardo. "You know, he saw us fighting for him. . . . We fought for him and he's home with his family now because of that." It's a soldier's gift. Because of Sgt. Giunta, the family of Josh Brennan know that when their loved one breathed his last, he did so knowing he was among friends willing to put their own lives at risk for him."

Wow. You just can't make this stuff up.

[Walken1]

Staff Sergeant Giunta is dropping the Times Square Ball tonight in NYC! Great to see him honored. A true hero.

http://www.aolnews.com/2010/12/30/salvatore-a-giunta-to-drop-the-times-square-ball-and-5-other-ne/

[GatorJr.]

Staff Sergeant Giunta is dropping the Times Square Ball tonight in NYC! Great to see him honored. A true hero.

http://www.aolnews.com/2010/12/30/salvatore-a-giunta-to-drop-the-times-square-ball-and-5-other-ne/

I just saw that, and this was the first time I was able to hear him speak as well. Talk about a humble, meek sounding guy, who obviously accomplished so much. It's amazing how the bravest amongst us are often times the ones who talk softly, and if it wasn't for the rightful recognition of men such as Staff Sergeant Giunta, we night never have the opportunity to recognize these heroes.

God Bless Staff Sergeant Giunta, and all those who he represents!

[Spinner]

Best of luck to SSG Giunta, who will end his Army career in June to pursue further education.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110208/ap_on_re_us/us_medal_of_honor_giunta

[Gypsy]

Best of luck to SSG Giunta, who will end his Army career in June to pursue further education.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110208/ap_on_re_us/us_medal_of_honor_giunta

Saw this earlier. Best of everything to you and yours SSG Giunta, we shall always remember.

[Xdeth]

This guy gives credit to the NCO corps that trained him and his fellow soldiers at every turn.

It's up to us to see that ALL veterans get every advantage that can be granted as they re-join the civilian world. Hire em, school em, take care of their wounds, it won't be enough but we owe them a best effort.

[Hopeless Civilian]

Best of luck to SSG Giunta, who will end his Army career in June to pursue further education.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110208/ap_on_re_us/us_medal_of_honor_giunta

SSG Giunta, you have served your country with honor and distinction. Good luck as you enter a new phase in your life, with our thanks for all you have done.

[UGAfan]

I wonder if the MOH had anything to do with him not reenlisting.

With his obvious humility, I can imagine he'd much rather be a squad leader taking care of his boys then doing the press circuit.

[GatorJr.]

I wish SSG Giunta Godspeed in whatever endeavours he may pursue. Thank you for your service, Sir, and I am grateful for what you've done for us all.

[Flying Pig]

I wonder if the MOH had anything to do with him not reenlisting.

With his obvious humility, I can imagine he'd much rather be a squad leader taking care of his boys then doing the press circuit.

I say within 4 years he'll be a congressman.

[UGAfan]

I say within 4 years he'll be a congressman.

The article says he's going back to school.

If he's so inclined I'm sure he could one day make a career out of politics.

But from what I've seen in his interviews, he handles the fame with all of the dignity and class you'd expect from a man of his caliber, but seems a bit uncomfortable with all of the attention and accolades, and likely just wants to go back to a normal life.

But that's just my guess.