Sgt. Salvatore Giunta received America’s highest military decoration because of his unwavering courage, selflessness and decisive leadership for what he did in eastern Afghanistan on the moonlit night of October 25, 2007 causing him to become part of an elite club of only 87 living Medal of Honor recipients. Sgt. Giunta is the first living recipient of the Medal of Honor for service in Afghanistan and Iraq. He also is the first since the Vietnam War. 

Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta ran through enemy fire in an attempt to save two of his very good friends, Sgt. Josh Brennan and Spc. Hugo Mendoza. They were both on a mission with Sgt. Giunta. They were all part of Company B, 2^nd Battalion (airborne), 503^rd Infantry Regiment. Sgt Josh Brennan was the first one to be shot. When Staff Sgt. Erick Gallardo ran through an open area to join them he was stopped by severe gunfire. When he moved toward Sgt. Giunta, he was struck by bullets from an AK-47 bouncing off his helmet and temporarily disorienting him. What happened next is what makes this story so fascinating. Sgt. Salvatore Giunta jumped up, exposed himself to rockets and enemy gunfire, to help Sgt. Erick Gallardo. A bullet then smashed into Sgt. Giunta’s armor pushing him backwards. Another bullet shattered the weapon that was slung across his back. This did not stop Sgt. Giunta. He and his fellow soldiers regrouped, threw grenades and moved forward with attack. Sgt. Giunta noticed that Sgt. Brennan was missing; he raced ahead and saw two insurgents carrying Brennan by his arms and legs. Sgt. Giunta, alone and without backup cover, shot and killed one of the insurgents; the other ran away. Sgt. Giunta was able to drag Sgt. Brennan to a safe area where Brennan would later die. 

Since receiving the Medal of Honor Sgt. Giunta has become a celebrity. There as been a celebration at the White House with President Barack Obama. He has appeared on David Letterman and Colbert television shows. He has shared his story with many people. To Sgt. Salvatore Giunta I wish him the best of luck and say thanks for the outstanding service he has given to this wonderful country. (The Medal of Honor is a gold five point star.)

 In the words of my dad, “You must honor the chair whether it is sitting, walking or lying down.”