Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Sal Giunta

First Living Medal of Honor Recipient Since the Vietnam War, Author

Sal Giunta Speaking Fee: $20,000 to $30,000

First Living Medal of Honor Recipient Since the Vietnam War, Author

Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Sal Giunta
Speaking Fee:
$20,000 to $30,000

Travels From:
CID - Cedar Rapids, IA

Primary Topic Category:
Inspiration / Motivation / Overcoming Obstacles

Secondary Topic Category:
Military

 

Sal Giunta Speaker Profile: At A Glance

Saving his squad from the Taliban during a deadly ambush in Afghanistan, Sal Giunta shares—with unassuming humility—his courageous story and the importance of teamwork, selflessness and leadership. A valiant leader, he was introduced by President Barack Obama as being “as humble as he is courageous." A true American hero and the author of Living with Honor (2012), Giunta inspires audiences with his story of unwavering courage, dedicated teamwork and decisive leadership.

Salvatore A. Giunta is a retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and a Medal of Honor recipient, recognized for his extraordinary acts of heroism during the War in Afghanistan. Born on January 21, 1985, in Clinton, Iowa, Sal was raised in a family that instilled the values of service and sacrifice from an early age. After graduating from high school in 2003, he worked as a Subway sandwich artist before deciding to enlist in the Army at the age of 18, seeking a greater purpose and adventure. Giunta served with distinction as a rifle team leader in the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. On October 25, 2007, during a combat mission in the Korengal Valley of Afghanistan, Sal performed acts of valor that went above and beyond the call of duty. As his squad came under heavy enemy fire, Giunta braved bullets to rescue a fellow soldier caught in an ambush and to reclaim another from the clutches of insurgents. For his incredible bravery and selflessness, he became the first living person to receive the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War. President Barack Obama presented the award on November 16, 2010. After retiring from the Army in 2011, Sal transitioned into civilian life with the same dedication and integrity that marked his military career. He authored “Living with Honor,” a memoir that captures his journey from ordinary life to becoming a Medal of Honor recipient. The book provides a candid look at heroism, the bonds of brotherhood, and the complexities of transitioning to civilian life after the military. Today, Giunta is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, inspiring audiences with his awe-inspiring story of courage and resilience. His speeches are heartfelt, drawing from a well of personal experience to deliver powerful messages on leadership, teamwork, and the true meaning of honor. Sal also remains deeply committed to veterans’ causes and emphasizes the importance of service, both in and out of uniform. Sal Giunta's story continues to resonate with people from all walks of life. His unwavering commitment to his values and his country serve as a powerful reminder of what it means to live with honor and integrity.
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