The first living soldier to get the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War
 

His name is Salvatore Giunta, he's 25, and he's stationed in the relative safety and comfort of Italy now. He's lucky to be alive. And because of him, so are a few other guys. He's going to soon be the first Medal of Honor winner since the Vietnam War, who actually survived his heroic actions.

For those that aren't aware, the Medal of Honor is a big, big deal. It's the highest military decoration in the US, and it's such a big deal to receive it because it's usually awarded posthumously: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor

This medal has actually become increasingly rare in recent years, owing partly to the political process of awarding it, and partly the high tech nature of the wars that are fought these days.

I am awed by guys like this.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB2000...764117024.html

Fuck that guy, cambaby is the real American hero...

wow... that's a crazy story

:1orglaugh:1orglaugh

Yeah, and amazing that he lived to tell the tale.

congrats

The us army is notorious for giving out medals like sweets but this one sounds deserved. a brave man.

Well medals are one thing, and yes, some of them are given out like candy (lesser medals in the order of precedence), but definitely not so with the Medal of Honor. It's in a whole different league. And in fact, it's been given out far, far less frequently in the current wars, compared to wars in the past, like Vietnam, Korea, the World Wars, etc.

A Medal of Honor winner who survived his extremely risky actions is a rare thing indeed, and why it's getting so much media coverage. It's special thing.