When you hold a buddy in your arms and watch his skin turn gray, when you can feel his life slipping away, it's almost impossible not to walk around … - Salvatore Giunta

People die, and sometimes there's not a damn thing you can do about it. But that doesn't make it any easier to accept.

I think about my daughter often when I'm out traveling around, giving speeches, shaking hands, talking about my friends in the military. I want her to be proud of me, and to know that what I'm doing is important. I want her to know that I accept the Medal of Honor not for myself, but because it provides a forum for talking about my brothers and the job they are doing, and the sacrifices they've made. Those men and women who do the fighting- too often, they don't get to talk. I want their voices to be heard.

I'd be lying if I said that I adjusted quickly and easily to a life without combat. I don't think that's possible.