A six-day US-led offensive in Afghanistan's Korengal Valley that produced the combat action for which Salvatore Giunta received the Medal of Honor.
Key Facts
- Duration
- Six days (19–25 October 2007)
- Theater
- Korengal Valley, Afghanistan
- Lead force
- U.S. Army (Paratroopers)
- Primary objective
- Hunt Taliban fighters in the Korengal Valley
- Medal of Honor recipient
- Salvatore Giunta, U.S. Army Paratrooper
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Taliban fighters had established a presence in the Korengal Valley, one of Afghanistan's most contested areas, disrupting security and preventing the Afghan government from constructing a road through the region. Coalition forces sought to neutralize this threat and create conditions for local infrastructure development.
From 19 to 25 October 2007, U.S.-led forces conducted Operation Rock Avalanche in the Korengal Valley. Over six days, coalition troops engaged in a series of running battles against Taliban fighters and local tribesmen, while also attempting to build goodwill with the local population to enable road construction.
U.S. Army Paratrooper Salvatore Giunta was recognized for his conspicuous bravery during the operation's combat engagements and was subsequently awarded the Medal of Honor, becoming the first living recipient of that award since the Vietnam War.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
2 belligerents
Side B
2 belligerents