I think you're right. It the people that prepped him for this event, briefed him on talking points, and went over his comments that either provided the wrong name, or should've caught it. True, somebody that actually ~cares~ about his military like George W., probably would have known the names and not made such a gaffe, but not this guy. He has to depend on others for such things.
HE personally pinned the MOH around SSGT Giunta's neck - and he knew Sal was the first LIVING recipient since Viet Nam.
As the CIC, if you care one iota about our troops - you would NOT FORGET THIS.
I feel bad for Sal that it was such a rotten POS that was president at the time - he deserved to have it pinned on by an honorable man.