Veteran of The Day

Veteran of the Day — November 23, 2025

Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Salvatore “Sal” Giunta

U.S. Army — Iraq/Afghanistan War Era
Born January 21, 1985
Hometown: Clinton & Cedar Rapids, Iowa

A Life Built on Hard Work, Service, and Honor

Salvatore “Sal” Giunta grew up in Iowa in a tight-knit, working-class Italian-American family. He spent his teenage years working part-time — including at a Subway sandwich shop — and living by the everyday values that shaped him: humility, responsibility, and a commitment to others. After seeing a military recruitment commercial at about 17, he felt the call to serve and made the decision that would define the rest of his life.

After graduating from John F. Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in November 2003, completed basic training at Fort Benning, and was assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade. He deployed twice, serving in some of the most hostile areas of eastern Afghanistan.

Heroism Above and Beyond

On October 25, 2007, during a fierce ambush in the Korengal Valley, Giunta repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to help wounded soldiers and ultimately saved a fellow soldier being dragged away by insurgents. His actions were selfless, instinctive, and rooted in the belief that no soldier gets left behind.

For this extraordinary valor, he became the first living Medal of Honor recipient since the Vietnam War and one of the most respected soldiers of his generation.

After His Service Commitment

Despite international attention and tremendous national respect, Sal Giunta remained who he had always been: soft-spoken, humble, and focused on what mattered. He completed his active-duty commitment and left the Army in June 2011, choosing to build a life centered around peace, family, and purpose.

Giunta moved to Colorado with his wife and later welcomed a daughter. He authored a memoir, Living With Honor, sharing his story not as a tale of glory, but as a reflection on service, sacrifice, and what it means to come home.

Today, he continues to speak about leadership, resilience, and the bonds of service — always putting his fellow soldiers first.

🎖️ Decorations & Honors

Medal of Honor • Bronze Star Medal • Purple Heart

🌟 Reflection

“I’m not the story. The story is the men who were there beside me.”
Salvatore Giunta’s courage reflects a rare heroism — the kind that puts others first, even in the face of death. His life reminds us that true honor is not in recognition, but in service.

🎙️ The Micky Spano Show Tribute

Every day, The Micky Spano Show honors a Veteran of the Day, sharing the stories of Americans who stood in harm’s way for freedom. Today, we salute Sgt. Maj. Salvatore “Sal” Giunta — soldier, leader, husband, father, and Medal of Honor recipient. mickyspano.com/ is proud to help keep his story alive.