• Home
  • News
    • Politics & Government
    • Business & Economy
    • Crime / Courts
    • Health / Medicine
  • Sports
    • High School Sports
    • Radio Iowa Poll
  • Affiliates
    • Affiliate Support Page
  • Contact Us
    • Reporters

Radio Iowa

Iowa's Radio News Network

You are here: Home / Military / Iowan gives his Medal of Honor to ‘sky soldier’ brigade in Italy

Iowan gives his Medal of Honor to ‘sky soldier’ brigade in Italy

July 14, 2017 By O. Kay Henderson

Medal of Honor recipient Sal Giunta (file photo)

The Cedar Rapids native who was the first living Medal of Honor recipient since the Vietnam War has given the medal to his unit.

In 2010, Staff Sergeant Sal Giunta was recognized with the nation’s highest military award for his actions when his squad was ambushed in Afghanistan a decade ago. During a ceremony last week at the brigade’s headquarters, Giunta surprised the crowd — including the commanding officer — with an announcement about his medal.

“I want this to stay here in Vicenza, Italy, with the 173rd, with the men and woman who earn this every day through their selflessness and sacrifice,” Giunta said.

CNN reported on Giunta’s gesture after the unit posted a video of the event on Facebook.

Giunta was 18 years old when he enlisted in the Army in 2003. After basic training, he became a “Sky Soldier” assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Giunta has often said the “worst day” of his life was the day of the battle that led the Army to recommend him for the Medal of Honor. On that day, Giunta rescued his wounded friend and fellow soldier from insurgents, but the soldier died later of his injuries.

During that recent ceremony in Italy, here’s how Giunta described surviving: “I am not here because I’m a great soldier. I am here because I served with great soldiers.”

Giunta retired from the military in 2011 at the rank of staff sergeant. His autobiography is titled “Living with Honor” and Giunta often tells audiences that Medal of Honor recipients do not represent themselves, they represent all soldiers in the American military — past, present and future.

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: Military, News

Featured Stories

Exhibit features lesser known works of Grant Wood

Testing finds 21 new CWD cases in deer

It may become a crime in Iowa to use fake urine in workplace drug tests

February trending 18 degrees below average temperature

Iowa House Education Committee votes to end tenure at UI, ISU, UNI

TwitterFacebook
Tweets by RadioIowa

New look and new format at girls’ state basketball

Youngstown State takes action against assistant football coach

Iowa’s Jack Nunge lost for the season

Key stretch begins for #9 Iowa

Drake’s Roman Penn lost for the season

More Sports

eNews and Updates

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Archives

Copyright © 2021 · Learfield News & Ag, LLC