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Obama Bestows Medal of Honor on Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta
Giunta, of Iowa, becomes the first living recipient of the nation's highest military honor since the Vietnam War.
After delivering introductory remarks, Obama said he wanted to "go off script here for a second."
"We all just get a sense of people and who they are, and when you meet Sal and you meet his family, you are just absolutely convinced that this is what America is all about. And it just makes you proud," Obama said. "And so this is a joyous occasion for me -- something that I have been looking forward to."
Also in attendance were military officials, members of Congress and the administration, as well as previous Medal of Honor recipients and soldiers from Giunta's Army battle company.
Obama quoted one of Giunta's commanding officers, who told the young soldier before deployment, "You've just got to try and do everything you can, when it's your time to do it."
Giunta's "time came on Oct. 25, 2007, when he was 22 years old," the president said, going on to describe his heroism in Afghanistan's Korengal Valley, where he risked his life to protect his fellow soldiers.
Before Obama hung the distinctive gold star around Giunta's neck, the award's official citation was read aloud. It reads:
Then-Specialist Salvatore A. 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 to defeat an enemy ambush and recover a fellow American paratrooper from enemy hands.
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November 21 2010 at 10:16 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyMuch appreciation to Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta on his courageous heroism in sacrificing his life to protect others and for all military men and women for their strength, sacrifices and courage in serving to protect our liberties and freedoms. May God Bless All our military with safety and to return home with loved ones soon. Thank you to all our military and their families for all their sacrifices always!
November 17 2010 at 7:40 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyActually he is not a Medal of Honor "winner" Ask him what he won and Im sure he will tell you that he didnt win anything...he is a recipient!
November 16 2010 at 10:58 PM Report abuse Permalink +5 rate up rate down ReplyAs a special prayer for the future of this honored soldier, please pray for him and for all our soldiers put at risk due to war. THANK YOU SGT.GIUNTA AND GOD BLESS YOU!
November 16 2010 at 10:46 PM Report abuse Permalink +2 rate up rate down ReplyThere Should not be one hand down with this story from Liberals or Conservatives and everyone American in between.This is what America is all about. Thank God this brave man was above ground and able to accept this great honor from our President.
November 16 2010 at 9:48 PM Report abuse Permalink +5 rate up rate down ReplyI, too, really like this guy. I am an Army veteran and, when I see or hear of a Medal of Honor winner, it makes my eyes well up with tears and it makes me so proud to know we are still making people who will risk life and limb for his fellow soldiers. He deserves the thanks of this grateful nation!
November 16 2010 at 9:46 PM Report abuse Permalink +7 rate up rate down ReplyMay God bless this young man and his family. He's the personfication of an American hero. We need more folks of his caliber, in and out of uniform.
November 16 2010 at 9:43 PM Report abuse Permalink +8 rate up rate down ReplyAs a Veteran of Afghanistan and a 29 year now retired soldier this brought tears to my eyes. It is about time a living recipent was awarded this honor. Many of my brothers have been deserving. As a former soldier I am honored to have served in the same Army as SSG Giunta. God Bless you my Brother and all my brothers now serving.
November 16 2010 at 9:40 PM Report abuse Permalink +7 rate up rate down ReplyWell done young man.
November 16 2010 at 9:32 PM Report abuse Permalink +7 rate up rate down Replya true testimonial to courage in the face of death and love for ones comrades. many brave warriors deserve this award; salvatore giunta represents all of them.
November 16 2010 at 9:25 PM Report abuse Permalink +8 rate up rate down Reply
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