Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

or
  • Filter Recipient Database here
    • Service Branch
    • Conflict / Era
    • Additional Filters
      -  
    or

War on Terrorism (Afghanistan) - U.S. Army

Salvatore Augustine Giunta

Details
  • Rank: Specialist (Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant)
  • Conflict/Era: War on Terrorism (Afghanistan)
  • Unit/Command:
    Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment,
    173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: October 25, 2007
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Korengal Valley, Afghanistan
Citation

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.

Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Iowa
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Presentation Date & Details: November 16, 2010

    The White House by President Barack Obama

  • Born: January 21, 1985, Clinton, Clinton County, IA, United States
  • Location of Medal: 173rd Airborne Brigade Headquarters, Vincenza, Italy
 
Videos

Salvatore Giunta: War on Terrorism (Afghanistan) Medal of Honor Recipient

Salvatore Giunta: War on Terrorism (Afghanistan) Medal of Honor Recipient

Open video in new window

Questions? For More Information Contact Us!