Monday, Apr. 04, 2011

Salvatore Giunta

Age: 26
Occupation: Staff sergeant, U.S. Army
Previous TIME 100 appearances: 0

The first living Medal of Honor recipient since the Vietnam War, Giunta was recognized for his bravery in saving the lives of several platoon members during a 2007 combat operation in Afghanistan. The Iowa native, who insists he didn't do anything heroic, plans to leave the Army later this year. His next assignment: attend college.