Salvatore Augustine Giunta is a former United States Army soldier and recipient of the Medal of Honor. He was born on January 21, 1985, in Clinton, Iowa.
Salvatore Giunta enlisted in the Army in 2003 and became a rifle team leader in the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2007 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
On October 25, 2007, during a mission in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, Giunta’s platoon was ambushed by insurgents. During the intense firefight, two soldiers were separated from the rest of the unit and were in danger of being captured by the enemy. Giunta, without hesitation, exposed himself to enemy fire to provide suppressive fire and moved to rescue his comrades.
While under fire, Giunta engaged the enemy, throwing grenades and eliminating insurgents, allowing him to reach one of the wounded soldiers. He provided aid and comfort to the injured soldier and protected him from further harm. Giunta’s actions disrupted the enemy’s plan and forced them to retreat.
Salvatore Giunta’s selfless actions saved the life of his fellow soldier and prevented the capture of his comrades. His bravery and heroism were recognized with the Medal of Honor.
On November 16, 2010, President Barack Obama presented Salvatore Giunta with the Medal of Honor in a White House ceremony. He became the first living recipient of the Medal of Honor for actions in the Global War on Terrorism and the first living recipient since the Vietnam War. His citation reads: “Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan.”
After leaving the military, Salvatore Giunta has been involved in veteran advocacy work and has shared his experiences to inspire others. He has emphasized the importance of teamwork, leadership, and selflessness in the face of adversity. Giunta’s story serves as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who serve in the armed forces.
Medal of Honor Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, on October 25, 2007. While conducting a patrol as team leader with Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, Specialist Giunta and his team were navigating through harsh terrain when they were ambushed by a well-armed and well-coordinated insurgent force. While under heavy enemy fire, Specialist Giunta immediately sprinted towards cover and engaged the enemy. Seeing that his squad leader had fallen and believing that he had been injured, Specialist Giunta exposed himself to withering enemy fire and raced towards his squad leader, helped him to cover, and administered medical aid. While administering first aid, enemy fire struck Specialist Giunta’s body armor and his secondary weapon. Without regard to the ongoing fire, Specialist Giunta engaged the enemy before prepping and throwing grenades, using the explosions for cover in order to conceal his position. Attempting to reach additional wounded fellow soldiers who were separated from the squad, Specialist Giunta and his team encountered a barrage of enemy fire that forced them to the ground. The team continued forward and upon reaching the wounded soldiers, Specialist Giunta realized that another soldier was still separated from the element. Specialist Giunta then advanced forward on his own initiative. As he crested the top of a hill, he observed two insurgents carrying away an American soldier. He immediately engaged the enemy, killing one and wounding the other. Upon reaching the wounded soldier, he began to provide medical aid, as his squad caught up and provided security. Specialist Giunta’s unwavering courage, selflessness, and decisive leadership while under extreme enemy fire were integral to his platoon’s ability to defeat an enemy ambush and recover a fellow American soldier from the enemy. Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, and the United States Army.