Senator Chuck Grassley today congratulated Staff Sergeant Salvatore A. Giunta, a native of Hiawatha, who will receive the Medal of Honor for valorous actions performed on October 25, 2007, during combat operations in Afghanistan. The President will officially award and present the medal on a date yet to be determined. The Medal of Honor is the nation's highest medal for valor in combat that can be awarded to members of the armed forces. Staff Sergeant Giunta, a graduate of Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids, will be the first living recipient of the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War.
Here is Grassley’s Comment.
“Only the bravest of the brave receive the Medal of Honor. Staff Sgt. Giunta is indeed a patriot and American hero, who truly deserves this honor. I have no doubt this is a bittersweet honor because of his fallen comrades. Staff Sgt. Guinta’s actions are indicative of Iowa: selfless, honorable and humble. We are proud of him and grateful for his service to defend freedom and wish him and his fellow soldiers Godspeed as they continue to protect our nation.”