Salvatore Giunta

Salvatore Giunta is a former United States Army Staff Sergeant who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the War in Afghanistan. He was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and grew up in Hiawatha, Iowa, where he attended John F. Kennedy High School (Cedar Rapids, Iowa). Giunta's early life was influenced by his Italian American heritage and his family's values, which emphasized the importance of Patriotism and Service. He was inspired by the events of September 11 attacks and decided to enlist in the United States Army.

● Early Life and Education

Giunta was born to Steven Giunta and Rose Giunta, and he has two siblings, Katie Giunta and Mario Giunta. He attended John F. Kennedy High School (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) and was an average student, but he was active in Sports and Extracurricular activities. After graduating from high school, Giunta worked at a Subway (restaurant) and later at a Golf course in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was influenced by his Family and Friends who had served in the United States Armed Forces, including his Grandfather who served in the United States Navy during World War II. Giunta's decision to enlist in the United States Army was also influenced by the events of the September 11 attacks and the War on Terror, which involved Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

● Military Career

Giunta enlisted in the United States Army in 2003 and completed Basic Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He then attended Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he trained as an Infantryman. Giunta was assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team and deployed to Afghanistan in 2005, where he served as a Rifleman and a Team Leader. He was stationed at Forward Operating Base Vegas in the Korengal Valley, which was a key location during the War in Afghanistan. Giunta's unit was involved in several Battles and Operations, including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Mountain Fury. He worked with other units, such as the United States Navy SEALs and the United States Air Force, to conduct Counterinsurgency and Counterterrorism operations.

● Medal of Honor

Giunta was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on October 25, 2007, during a Battle in the Korengal Valley. He and his team were on a Patrol when they were ambushed by Taliban fighters, and Giunta risked his life to save his fellow soldiers, including Sergeant Josh Brennan and Sergeant Erik Kristensen. Giunta's actions were recognized by his Chain of command, including his Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel William Ostlund, and he was nominated for the Medal of Honor. The award was presented to Giunta by President Barack Obama at the White House on November 16, 2010, in a ceremony attended by Vice President Joe Biden and other dignitaries, including General David Petraeus and General Stanley McChrystal.

● Later Life and Career

After leaving the United States Army in 2011, Giunta attended University of Iowa and studied Business administration. He has worked as a Motivational speaker and has spoken at events, including the National Rifle Association annual meeting and the American Legion national convention. Giunta has also been involved in Charity work, including supporting the Wounded Warrior Project and the USO (United Service Organizations). He has written a book, Living with Honor: A Memoir, which was published in 2012 and became a New York Times bestseller. Giunta has been recognized for his Community service and has received awards, including the Horatio Alger Award and the National Italian American Foundation's National Italian American Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award.

● Awards and Decorations

Giunta's awards and decorations include the Medal of Honor, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor device, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal with Valor device, and the Army Achievement Medal. He has also been awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and the Army Service Ribbon. Giunta's awards and decorations are a testament to his Bravery and Selflessness during his time in the United States Army. He has been recognized by Organizations, including the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Disabled American Veterans, for his Service and Sacrifice. Giunta's story has inspired others, including General Martin Dempsey and General Raymond Odierno, to serve in the United States Armed Forces and to make a difference in their Communities.