describes as conspicuous gallantry. staff sergeant perry was near him when they were ambushed. >> i can't begin to describe how intense it was. >> reporter: giunta watched his best friend, platoon leader, josh brennan, badly wounded, being dragged away by insurgents. he charged into the ambush under them, under heavy fire. >> sal was hit twice. one round slammed into his body armor, the other shattering a weapon slung across his back. >> he was putting everything he had into keeping brennan alive. he was talking to him, comforting him. >> reporter: brennan did not make it. giunta says he shares in the nation's highest honor. the medal of honor is a distinction reserved for the most valiant of american warriors. it's been conferred just six times before in the wars in afghanistan, in every case to troops who lost their lives in the effort. john hendren, abc news, washington. >> a very nice off the cuff remark from the president when he said, i really like this guy. he went on to say, when you meet sal and you meet his family you are absolutely convinced this is what america is all about. just incredible honor for him