Page High Welcomes Medal of Honor Recipients

Published October 15, 2015

Two American heroes paid a visit to Page High School last week to speak to students and staff.

Medal of Honor recipients Salvatore Giunta and Leroy Petry came to Franklin October 9 where they met with Page High history classes, the PHS JROTC program and a small assembly of students and staff.

“It was an honor to have these individuals speak to the students and staff of Page High,” said principal Dr. Shane Pantell. “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and to watch the students listen with such respect and high regard for these heroes is something the faculty and I will always remember.”

Salvatore Giunta received the Medal of Honor for his actions on October 25, 2007, in Korengal Valley, Afghanistan. Giunta’s platoon has hit by an “L” shaped ambush under the cover of darkness. With everyone in his squad shot within the first 30 seconds, Giunta braved gunfire to administer squad members with first aid while engaging the enemy and being wounded himself. As Giunta continued to fight, he saw two members of the enemy carrying his squad leader away in an attempt to capture him. Giunta sprinted through heavy gunfire, striking deadly blows to the enemy and recovering his squad leader. Giunta was awarded the Medal of Honor on November 16, 2010. He was the first living recipient of the Medal from the War on Terror.

Leroy Petry received the Medal of Honor for actions on May 26, 2008, in Paktya Province, Afghanistan. While being shot in both legs, Petry maneuvered his troops to a fighting position. An enemy grenade landed in the middle of Petry and his troops when Petry, without regard for his personal safety, deliberately picked up the grenade and attempted to throw it away. Upon release of the grenade, it detonated, amputating Petry’s hand, but saving his men. Petry then administered himself first aid by applying a tourniquet and continued to fight. Petry was awarded the Medal of Honor on July 12, 2011, by President Barack Obama.

“Both Petry and Giunta were very quick to to deflect credit of their heroism and give praise to them men who served with them,” said PHS social studies teacher Kenneth Roeten. “The students of Page were constantly reminded that they are this nation’s future and service comes in all forms that do not necessarily require a uniform and a gun. The lessons communicated by these two gentlemen were absolutely priceless, and Page students were extremely thankful for the opportunity to hear them speak.”