Illinois National Guard Hosts Visit with First Medal of Honor Recipient Since Vietnam

Related Media

Medal of Honor recipient Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta speaks to the crowd at a private meet and greet hosted by the Illinois National Guard Dec. 13 at the North Riverside Armory in North Riverside

CHICAGO (12/14/2010)(readMedia)-- "Recently I've had a lot of opportunities to come and talk to different groups of people, but this one's really special" said the 25-year-old Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta as he looked over the armory filled with Illinois Guardsmen, veterans and military supporters. "This is where the rubber meets the road."

The Illinois Army National Guard hosted a private meet and greet with Medal of Honor recipient Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta Dec. 13 on the National Guard's birthday at the North Riverside Armory in North Riverside.

The event was emceed by Col. Thomas Purple of Chicago, deputy commander of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Chicago, and included the musical styling of Joe Cantafio of Barrington, musician and president the of non-profit organization Forgotten Heroes, Inc.

Distinguished guests at the event included members of the Warriors' Watch Riders, Patriot Guard Fighters, Gold Star Families and Guinta's battle buddy Army Staff Sgt. Brett Perry of Freeport, a noncommissioned officer with Battle Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vicenza, Italy at Caserma Ederley.

Maj. Gen. William Enyart of Belleville, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, was part of the official party.

"Staff Sergeant Guinta truly represents the greatest part of America," said Enyart. "His modesty and his humility are emblematic of his devotion to duty. I think he will serve as an example to generations of Soldiers"

Guinta is the first living recipient of the Medal of Honor for services in Iraq or Afghanistan and the first living recipient of the award since the Vietnam War.

On Oct. 25, 2007, Giunta's platoon was ambushed by approximately 15 enemy fighters using rocket propelled grenades, machine guns and other small arms. Giunta was struck by two bullets as he attempted to provide first aid to his squad leader. Both bullets were stopped by Giunta's gear.

Later, as the enemy ambush began to retreat with a wounded U.S. Soldier in its custody, Giunta overtook two enemy combatants, killing one of them at close range, which caused the other to release the U. S. Soldier and flee. Giunta then began administering first aid, helped his squad leader adjust security, further consolidated casualties, and prepared for medical evacuation operations.

Even with this act of heroism under his belt, Giunta remains humble and acknowledges the importance of his fellow servicemember and leaders.

"So much has been directed towards me, but I want to say that I am not a very smart guy," said Guinta to the Illinois National Guardsmen. "I haven't guided myself into the position I'm in. I've been mentored. I've been tutored. I've been told to follow and I've been told to lead."

At the close of the ceremony, Guinta stepped off the stage and mingled with the Guardsmen, Gold Star Families and veterans of past wars.

"Meeting this hero opened my eyes to the wonderful patriotism and dedication to duty that has made this a great nation," said Spc. Jason Dorsey of Oak Park, public affairs specialist for the 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

Medal of Honor recipient Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta takes a moment to chat with John Chrenka of Riverdale, a World War II veteran who fought in the D-Day invasion 66 years ago, during a private meet and greet with Giunta Dec. 13. The event was hosted by the Illinois National Guard at the North Riverside Armory in North Riverside.

First Lt. Meghan Groth of Homewood, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 108th Multifunctional Medical Battalion in North Riverside, poses for a picture with Medal of Honor recipient Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta during a private meet and greet. The event was hosted by the Illinois National Guard on Dec. 13 at the North Riverside Armory in North Riverside.