Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Sgt. Salvatore Giunta Awarded Medal Of Honor


You know, this is kinda special. Actually, it's the most important news story, to me, in recent memory. Army Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta was awarded the Medal Of Honor by President Obama, today in D.C.

According to the Army's Web Site, "Giunta was serving as a rifle team leader when he engaged the enemy to recover a wounded Soldier that the enemy was trying to take prisoner. After throwing hand grenades at the enemy positions in order to suppress them, Staff Sgt. Giunta moved forward without hesitation, into what had been enemy fighting position only moments before. Staff Sgt. Giunta engaged two enemy fighters and then rescued his wounded comrade, and assisted in keeping him alive before the Soldier eventually succumbed to his wounds." He also rescued three other soldiers. You can read more by clicking here.
At today's White House ceremony, President Obama noted that nearly 40 years had passed since the Medal of Honor was awarded to a living person. Nine have been awarded the medal posthumously for their service since the Vietnam War.

Sgt. Giunta is 25 years old, was raised in Iowa and is currently stationed in Italy.

I thought that in a society where we sit on the edge of our seats to see who will be voted off on Survivor, we might learn about a genuine hero.