Instead, he dropped onto the grenade to shield the others from the blast. His sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. The Moving Funeral of Petty Officer Mike Monsoor-Truth! A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, May 3rd 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home (11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20904). At his funeral in San Diego, California, SEALs lined up on both sides of the route of the pallbearers and loudly slapped gold tridents from their uniforms on the wooden casket as a tribute to their fallen comrade. Joan Elizabeth Brennan Donnelly, passed into the perpetual light on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in her home. Collectively it weighed more than 100 pounds. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. Bullet holes cover the rubbled buildings. STEVE INSKEEP, host: The White House is about to bestow the highest military award on a Navy SEAL from Southern California. Element snipers thwarted the enemy's initial attempt by eliminating two insurgents. His selfless, decisive, heroic actions resulted in 25 enemy killed and saved the lives of his teammates, other Coalition Forces and Iraqi Army soldiers. Of the three SEALs on that rooftop corner, he had the only avenue of escape away from the blast, and if he had so chosen, he could have easily escaped. Over the next five months, Monsoor and his platoon frequently engaged in combat with insurgent forces. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Since the media wont make this news, I choose to make it news by forwarding it onto you guys. PO2 (EOD2) Mike Monsoor, a Navy EOD Technician, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously for jumping on a grenade in Iraq, giving his life to save his fellow Seals. To me, they're worth dying for, because there's a bond between brothers, and that bond transcends blood. Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends., When it came down to laying down his life for his friends, his faith allowed him to [do so] without a moments hesitation, said Father Halladay.7, The most moving tribute to Petty Officer Michael Monsoor was that given by Lt. As a member of a combined SEAL and Iraqi Army sniper overwatch element, tasked with providing early warning and stand-off protection from a rooftop in an insurgent-held sector of Ar Ramadi, Iraq, Petty Officer Monsoor distinguished himself by his exceptional bravery in the face of grave danger. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. We honor his service. The grenade hit him in the chest and bounced onto the deck. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. On September 29, 2006, in the war-torn city of Ramadi, Iraq, Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor, or Mikey as we called him, smothered a grenade with his body to save three of his teammates. Home > Fighting the Culture War > No Greater Love. Many of my brothers have fallen. Praying for the loved ones of the fallen this weekend especially. [11] Monsoor became the fourth American servicemember and second Navy SEAL each killed in the line of duty to receive the United States' highest military award during the War on Terrorism. The unit symbol is composed of Petty Officer Monsoor's Medal of Honor, SEAL Trident, and Master-at-Arms shield. He also knew that he was two short weeks away from returning home to family and friends. This is what I said: Ladies and gentlemen. From here we almost lose our breath as we follow the rapid upward trajectory his life would take. Example: [Collected via e-mail, July 2008]. This account has been disabled. The SEALs fired back and stood their ground. Ramadi at the time was the epicenter of the insurgency in Iraq, a city filled with peril. Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House April 8, 2008. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. Ahead of the ceremony, Master-At-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor's. He immediately leapt to his feet and yelled "grenade" to alert his teammates of impending danger, but they could not evacuate the sniper hide-sight in time to escape harm. Watch on The Navy's newest Zumwalt-class destroyer, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), was commissioned Jan. 26 at Naval Air Station North Island, California. ELEMENT SNIPERS THWARTED THE ENEMYS INITIAL ATTEMPT BY ELIMINATING TWO INSURGENTS. He deployed with his platoon to Iraq in April 2006 in support of OperationIraqi Freedom, and was assigned to Task Unit Bravo in Ar Ramadi. He bore the weight without a single complaint, even in the midst of the 130 degree Western Iraqi summer. Try again later. A system error has occurred. Delta Platoon was sent to Iraq in April 2006 and assigned to train Iraqi Army soldiers in Ramadi. The Early Years. [12][13], For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Platoon Machine Gunner in Sea, Air, Land Team THREE (SEAL-3), Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula, Task Unit Ramadi, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 9 May 2006. Requiescate in pace. MASTER AT ARMS SECOND CLASS, SEA, AIR and LANDMICHAEL A. MONSOOR "He never took his eye off the grenade, his only movement was down toward it," said a 28-year-old lieutenant who sustained shrapnel wounds to both legs that day. He will inspire the crew, just as he inspired his teammates. Some months later the injured soldier had a dream of the incident where the Michael who rescued him had wings. On that day, Monsoor was part of a sniper overwatch security position with three other SEALs and eight Iraqi Army (IA) soldiers. The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest and fell onto the floor. Michael A. Monsoor has been listed as one of the Warfare good articles under the good article criteria. [7] After BUD/S, he completed advanced SEAL training courses including parachute training at Basic Airborne School, cold weather combat training in Kodiak, Alaska, and six months of SEAL Qualification Training in Coronado, California, graduating in March 2005. But fear is no match for my Faith. Petty Officer Monsoor entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, Calif., and subsequently graduated with Class 250 on Sept. 2, 2004 as one of the top performers in his class. After further training he was assigned to Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3. He received the award for his actions in Ar Ramadi . October 14, 2019 | Fort Sam Houston, TX. In the picture, his brother SEALs are nearbybut Mikey is out front. Michael Anthony Monsoor (April 5, 1981 September 29, 2006) was a United States Navy SEAL who was killed during the Invasion of Iraq and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Try again. The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to. He entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training and graduated from Class 250 on September 2, 2004, as one of the top performers in his class. The grenade detonated as he came down on top of it, mortally wounding him. A warship that proudly bears his name. MEDAL OF HONORMA2 US NAVYAFGHANISTAN IRAQNo Regrets, Your Scrapbook is currently empty. USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001) will be commissioned into Navy service. He placed him in a small, confined sniper hide-sight between two SEAL snipers on an outcropping of the roof, which allowed the three SEALs maximum coverage of the area. THE ENEMY CONTINUED TO ASSAULT THE ELEMENT, ENGAGING THEM WITH A ROCKET-PROPELLED GRENADE AND SMALL ARMS FIRE. Monsoor died approximately 30 minutes later from wounds sustained from the blast. Michael Monsoor was there in the midst of it all. His father George and older brother Jim had both been proud Marines. Upon graduation from basic training, he attended Quartermaster "A" School, and then transferred to Naval Air Station, Sigonella, Italy for a short period of time. An insurgent closed in and threw a fragmentation grenade into the overwatch position. Named for a Medal of Honor recipient and Navy SEAL, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) will be commissioned Jan. 25. Your act and demonstrated honor is a high standard for all of us. Monsoor was born April 5, 1981, in Long Beach, California, the third of four children of Sally Ann (Boyle) and George Paul Monsoor. May the Lord continue to comfort you. He then maintained suppressive fire while the wounded SEAL received tactical casualty treatment. The picture shows Michael walking at the head of his platoon, through the war-torn streets of Ramadi. At point-blank range, it couldn't miss. Positioned next to the single exit, Monsoor was the only one who could have escaped harm. His life and unfortunate death are . Without hesitation and showing no regard for his own life, he threw himself onto the grenade, smothering it to protect his teammates who were lying in close proximity. His mother, Sally, when visiting him, said he hardly ever stopped running. BY HIS UNDAUNTED COURAGE, FIGHTING SPIRIT, AND UNWAVERING DEVOTION TO DUTY IN THE FACE OF CERTAIN DEATH, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR GALLANTLY GAVE HIS LIFE FOR HIS COUNTRY, THEREBY REFLECTING GREAT CREDIT UPON HIMSELF AND UPHOLDING THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE. The grenade detonated as he came down on top of it, mortally wounding him. Of the three SEALs on that rooftop corner, he had the only avenue of escape away from the blast, and if he had so chosen, he could have easily escaped. It is heart breaking to hear that, he is gone. Immediately, Monsoor yelled "Grenade!" And just as Mikey Monsoor did, the USS Michael Monsoor will go forward, willingly into harms wayand will stand tall without hesitation or regrets and face down evil and malevolence, saying boldly to the world: I WILL DEFEND. The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest and fell onto the floor. Michael Monsoor is a hero for all the world to know about and appreciate. 190126-N-XN177-1115 SAN DIEGO (Jan. 26, 2019) Sailors stand in formation during the commissioning ceremony for the guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), Jan. 26, 2019. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. Over the years, many who have received the medal have given their lives in the action that earned it. On September 29, 2006, Ramadi, Iraq was considered the most dangerous city on planet earth for American servicemen. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, fighting together. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. Instead, I smile at the Iraqi children when we pass them by. A Navy SEAL sacrificed his life to save his comrades by throwing himself on top of a grenade Iraqi insurgents tossed into their sniper hideout, fellow members of the elite force said. In so doing, he saved the lives of three Navy SEALS and eight Iraqi soldiers. [20], As part of modernization, Garden Grove High School, where Michael Monsoor attended, dedicated the newly built stadium to him, naming it "Michael Monsoor Memorial Stadium". On 15 operations, he carried a rucksack full of communications equipment in addition to his machinegun and full ammunition load-out. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. Michael attended Dr. Walter C. Ralston Intermediate School and Garden Grove High School where he played tight end on the Argonaut football team and graduated in 1999. THE ENEMY CONTINUED TO ASSAULT THE ELEMENT, ENGAGING THEM WITH A ROCKET-PROPELLED GRENADE AND SMALL ARMS FIRE. By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty, Petty Officer Monsoor reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Michael Monsoor was there in the midst of it all. Market data provided by Factset. Petty Officer Monsoor's actions could not have been more selfless or clearly intentional. On March 31, 2008, the United States Department of Defense confirmed that Monsoor would posthumously receive the Medal of Honor. But I know that, he died doing something he loved. [2][4] When he was a child, Monsoor was afflicted with asthma but strengthened his lungs by racing his siblings in the family's swimming pool. Mike and his fellow SEALs accounted for 84 enemy fighters killed in action and the detainment of numerous insurgents. Legal Statement. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Plans were already made for him to see his younger brother play in a football game for North Dakotas Minot State University.4. I have looked at this picture over and over again and it speaks to me. Snopes.com says it believes the photo was taken at the funeral of SEAL James Suh, killed in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005. As a heavy-weapons machine gunner, his position while patrolling the streets of Ramadi with Delta Company was right behind the point man. I am far away from home. In April 2006 he was sent to Iraq on his first tour of duty. As described in the final two paragraphs of a Summary of Action (SOA) regarding the circumstances of his death: While vigilantly watching for enemy activity, an enemy fighter hurled a hand grenade onto the roof from an unseen location. . At his funeral in San Diego, California, SEALs lined up on both sides of the route of the pallbearers and loudly slapped gold tridents from their uniforms on the wooden casket as a tribute to their fallen comrade.The Truth:The story is true and, despite the comment about not being reported by the media, was given coverage by several news outlets across the U.S. including Fox news. On the last day of his life, on a rooftop in Ramadi, Navy SEAL Michael A. Monsoor was assigned to protect three SEAL snipers. Mikes gun is at the ready. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001 and graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training BUD/S class 250 in 2004. By his undaunted courage, fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of certain death, Petty Officer Monsoor gallantly gave his life for his country, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. They fought in 35 heated firefights; during these incidents Mike shot tens of thousands of 7.62 millimeter rounds to cover Delta Platoon's movement through streets that seemed to be paved with fire. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. Try again later. Introduction Michael Anthony Monsoor (05 April 1981 to 29 September 2006) was a United States Navy SEAL who was killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honour. Unrelated, Chris Kyle operated on the far western side of the city in support of additional special warfare operations; he reportedly killed 84 insurgents. Never taking his eyes off the grenade, his next move was to throw himself down, holding it against his body to absorb the blast, saving the lives of his fellow servicemen. MASTER-AT-ARMS SECOND CLASS (SEA, AIR AND LAND) MICHAEL A. MONSOOR, MA2 MICHAEL A. MONSOOR, USN with sailors on his tour. Paul Hamilton is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area. Never. Ahead of the ceremony, Master-At-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoors teammates share his story of his courageous and selfless actions. Failed to delete flower. Of the three SEALs on that rooftop corner, he had the only avenue of escape away from the blast, and if he had so chosen, he could have easily escaped. He will receive the award for his actions in Ar Ramadi, Iraq on Sept. 29, 2006. May you always rest in peace knowing that we remember you and your sacrifice. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! This act of heroism earned him a Silver Star and a reputation for putting others first. There is no comfort here but this is the life I have chosen and there is no place I would rather beand I am ready. EAST CHINA SEA (April 5, 2023) Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Erwinn Garrett, from Houston, signals an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the "Screamin' Indians" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6 during flight operations aboard the Arleigh Burke-class. He remained fearless while facing constant danger, and through his selfless nature and aggressive actions, saved the lives of coalition soldiers and his fellow SEALs. [9], The display moved many attending the funeral, including President Bush, who spoke about the incident later during a speech stating: "The procession went on nearly half an hour, and when it was all over, the simple wooden coffin had become a gold-plated memorial to a hero who will never be forgotten."[9]. I try to honor his life and death by remembering his example and trying to emulate it because even when he was faced with some of the least September 22, 2018 | Arlington, WA | Military. In the Ma'laab district, Michael perfected his skills as an urban machine gunner. The text of his citation reads: For service as set forth in the following. There were also several blogs that called the whole story a rumor, citing that it was impossible to embed the trident pins and line them up so well as the casket moved between the lines of SEALs. Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor, a Navy SEAL, was part of a sniper watch in Ramadi, Iraq, with three other SEALs and eight Iraqi soldiers when an insurgent threw a grenade into the position, according to the Navy. The slaps were reportedly heard across the. In the morning, his team observed four enemy fighters armed with AK-47s reconnoitering from roads in the sector to conduct follow-on attacks. [1] He enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001 and graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training BUD/S class 250 in 2004. The grenade detonated as he came down on top of it, mortally wounding him. He was also posthumously given the Silver Star for helping carry a wounded team member to safety during an attack, Snopes.com reported. He was an adventuresome boy growing up in Southern California. Each time I read of Michael's sacrifice I'm so amazed & heartbroken. Snopes.com, a nonpartisan well-respected Web site that confirms or debunks rumors and urban legends, did report that it is not clear whether the photo of the casket embedded with trident pins that accompanies the e-mail was taken at Monsoor's burial ceremony. cemeteries found in San Diego, San Diego County, California, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. 190126-N-XN177-1481 SAN DIEGO (Jan. 26, 2019) The crew of the Zumwalt-class guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) brings the ship to life during its commissioning ceremony, Jan. 26, 2019. With the only exit door at his back, a live grenade at his feet and two Navy Seals in front of him he was faced with the hardest decision of his life. Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor had been near the only door to the rooftop structure Sept. 29 when the grenade hit him in the chest and bounced to the floor, said four SEALs who spoke to The Associated Press this week on condition of anonymity because their work requires their identities to remain secret. Anticipating further attacks, Monsoor, three SEAL snipers and three Iraqi Army soldiers took up a rooftop position. Try again later. Death is everywhere. During the first five months of deployment, that platoon from Team 3 was assigned to Camp Corregidor on the east side of Ramadi, led by then-Lieutenant Seth Stone, who also earned the Silver Star for his own actions on the same September 29, 2006 operation. As the coffin passed, video shows each SEAL slapping down the gold Trident from his uniform and deeply embedding it in Monsoor's wooden coffin. But we fight onfor the men to our left and rightwe fight on. I want to hold my nephews and nieces again. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. INSTANTLY AND WITHOUT REGARD FOR HIS OWN SAFETY, HE THREW HIMSELF ONTO THE GRENADE TO ABSORB THE FORCE OF THE EXPLOSION WITH HIS BODY, SAVING THE LIVES OF HIS TWO TEAMMATES. On May 9, 2006 Mike rescued a SEAL who was shot in the leg. Shortly thereafter, an enemy fighter shot a rocket-propelled grenade at his building. As Mike's coffin passed, each SEAL, having removed his gold Trident from his uniform, slapped it down embedding the Trident in the wooden coffin. [3] His father is of Lebanese and Irish descent, and his mother has Irish ancestry. I know because my father and brother were also gruntsproud Marine riflemen. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. He was gifted at everything he did, hard-working, funny, and selfless. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. Lord, protect my brothers above all else. Get the recap of top opinion commentary and original content throughout the week. Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California, USA. As I look at this picture, I hear a voice in a humble but confident tone.

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