I had the pleasure of meeting Salvatore Giunta during his first book signing, kicking off the book tour for his just released "Living With Honor".

He kicked off his tour in Cedar Rapids, Iowa because Hiawatha, a suburb of Cedar Rapids has been his home town, graduating from a local high school. As you can imagine, the attendance created a challenge for our local Barnes and Noble to handle, with the signing starting around 7:45 and ending at 1:15 in the morning. When folks starting expressing a concern about making it through the line, they announced Salvatore has specifically told them he would be there how ever long it took and that he would be pleased to take the necessary time with each individual(s). As I got closer to his table, I watched him interface with all shapes, sizes, ages, etc. with a personality that indicated this was not a chore, but something he wanted every one to enjoy, rather it involved pictures, etc..

When I gave him my two books, I told him they were for my sons who didn't have a clue about the military and he asked if I had served. I told him that 48 years ago, I was an Army Ranger but that I was a lot bigger then (I'm 5/5") and I had hardly finished the sentence when he smiled and said "that's what they all say".

I've read a number of books covering WW II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan and his book is book compares very well with the best that I've read. I'd highly recommend it, it brought back many memories and gave me a much better appreciation for the Afghanistan challenges they're facing.

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DOK

Cool. That must have been a wicked experience.

I was embarrassed to ask him to stand with me for a picture, but he said "sure" and it is a picture that will be very special for me, particularly after reading his book and realizing what kind of man he is....proud to have been there.

I can't tell you how he brought back memories of other brave men I saw risk their lives for their fellow combatants without hesitation. Salvatore is the only living recipient since Vietnam, the other three being awarded posthumously.

If you get a chance to attend one of the book signings, you'll never regret it.

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DOK

What a great experience. Hoo rah!

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MikeG

Congratulations on having been able to meet such a great American. I read a very interesting story in our local paper about him a while ago and his humble attitude about what he did for his fellow soldiers is truly remarkable. He is the epitome of a service person who strives to keep the team attitude our military endorses as the most important part of serving. His act(s) of heroism were truly worthy of the highest honor any service awards a member. I wish him much luck in his future outside the military.

Many years ago I was lucky enough to meet and fly for BG (then) Patrick Brady who won the MOH as a helicopter pilot in Viet Nam. You will not soon forget being in the presence of a true American here, I can promise you that!

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A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote
a blank check made payable to "The United States of
America" for an amount of 'up to and including my life.
That is honor, and there are way too many people in this
country who no longer understand it.

I'm still pumped and have purchased an additional five copies of his book for friends that also served. And the story you read is right on, he was one of the most pleasant individuals I've met. At the risk of hyperbole, you sensed a special something when you watched and talked to him. I'll wait a couple weeks before I send his local parents a letter telling them how special it was and I'll not forget the privilege.

Dan

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DOK

I don't think he is the only living recipient. Don't forget Dakota Meyer, Marine from Kentucky

I know that was a special experience for you. I get choked up when I see these men and women who have served so honorably. It is especially satisfying to see the great response and respect the people on the site have for our military. God bless you all!

A quick check verifies you're absolutely correct, Mr. Meyer is identified as the third living MOH recipient since the Vietnam War. And as I'm sure all of them would and do say, is there are a lot of others that are deserving also. Salvatore forcibly says he'd trade the MOH in a split second for his two buddies back at his side.

Dan

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DOK

Didnt John Kerry get one..

Oh no, I guess that was three purple heart that he nominated humself for. Im sorry.

Ill have to reread these posts but what was the title of this gentleman book??

"Living With Honor" by Salvatore Giunta and "Into The Fire" by Dakota Meyer, both medal of honor winners. I feel safe in saying I guarantee that both books are worth a lot more than the price you'll pay to own them. I have both hard copies and ebooks for both books and they are written very straight forward style, graphic and hard hitting.

Dan

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DOK