Press Release

Washington, Nov 16 -

Today, President Obama presented Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta of Hiawatha the Medal of Honor for gallantry at the risk of his life and going above and beyond the call of duty. Giunta is the first living recipient of the Medal of Honor who has served in any war since Vietnam.

“I have had the distinct honor of meeting Staff Sergeant Giunta when I shared Thanksgiving dinner with him last year.  I was also privileged to meet his parents, Steven and Rosemary, in Iowa. Giunta’s patriotism, honor, and sacrifice are deserving of our nation’s highest honor,” said Loebsack. “The bravery and leadership that Giunta displayed in battle to save a fellow soldier and protect his platoon, and the humility he displays about his actions are characteristics of a true hero. I would like to congratulate Staff Sergeant Giunta on receiving this distinguished honor and thank him for his service to our country.”

In 2007, then Army Specialist Giunta was among eight paratroopers ambushed by a band of Taliban fighters. Giunta engaged the enemy, threw grenades and returned fire, as he rescued and provided medical care to his fellow paratroopers and fought off Taliban fighters attempting to take one of the wounded American soldiers as a hostage. Members of his unit and Army officials say the death toll would have been higher had it not been for Giunta’s bravery under such extreme circumstances.

Giunta, now 25, serves as a Staff Sergeant based in Italy with the Rear Detachment for Battle Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. Congressman Loebsack had the distinct privilege of meeting Staff Sergeant Giunta during a visit to the United States military base in Vicenza, Italy in November 2009.  After meeting Staff Sergeant Giunta, Loebsack wrote to President Obama in support of his nomination for the Medal of Honor.

The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military award. It was presented today by the President of the United States in the name of Congress at the White House. Congressman Loebsack and members of the Iowa delegation joined the ceremony.