I have never been in the military and am a bit curious. What are those badges or medals? What do they mean?
My husband says that he thinks the medal on his right side is an airborne parachute wing ribbon? Looks like there’s an expert marksman ribbon, infantry, and various service ribbons. Someone will probably need to correct me on this.
http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/
It will explain all his ribbons, qualification badges, etc.
The only one you won't find there are the foreign jump wings worn on his right breast, which in his case are Italian, and presumably earned while stationed in Vicenza with the 173rd.
Sorry, my post #10 was for you, yarddog.
I’ve been out of the Army for far too long to know what some of the ribbons are, but will give you some idea of what most are.
Right pocket: Lowest insignia is the standard for the 173rd Airborne Brigade. A very highly decorated unit.
The Red and Blue ribbons above are Presidential Unit Citations.
The Blue cord on his right shoulder is the color for Infantry branch.
On his left pocket:
First two rows are campaign and service medals for (most likely since I’m not positive on these) Iraq and Afghanistan.
3rd row ribbons moving from arm toward midline are:
National Defense medal, Good Conduct and ???
4th row, Army Commendation medal (2 awards), Purple Heart and I think the Meritorious Service Medal (can’t see it).
On top is the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB)awarded only to men who’ve been in actual combat for 30 consecutive days or more (or so it used to be).
The Medal of Honor will be placed on the very top of his ribbons on the left pocket, but under the CIB.
Hope this helps.
If you go to Wikipedia and search,”SALVATORE GIUNTA”
you will see a full layout summary of the medals you are curious about.