Michael enlisted in the U.S. Navy March 21, 2001, and attended Basic Training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Not everyone can step in and do it that well, that fast. 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. 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. Due to expected enemy action, the officer in charge repositioned him with his automatic heavy machine gun in the direction of the enemy's most likely avenue of approach. Then you read about these guys in the story when Michael was in Italy and he was in this waiting pattern to go back to get a second chance. And Jesse Ventura was in thereI was at the other end of the bar, but he said something kind of derogatory toward us losing guys or whatever and . Legal Statement. Who was I named after? 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 said he died in the state of grace and for what Catholics believe, with the sacraments and what else. Michael Monsoor was there in the midst of it all. The four had been working with Iraqi soldiers providing sniper security while U.S. and Iraqi forces conducted missions in the area. Fausone: "Defend Us in Battle" is on the Harper Horizon imprint. Michael Anthony Monsoor (April 5, 1981 - September 29, 2006) was a United States Navy SEAL who was killed during the Iraq War and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. It is obviously very humbling to be here today, as it was humbling to be on the battlefield of Ramadi with my fellow SEALs and 2/28 Brigade Combat Team, the Iron Soldiers, and then 1/1 AD, the Ready First Combat Team, which was formed up by our brothers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines and included such hallowed units as the 1st of the 506th Band of brothers, the 1-37 Bandits, and the 3/8 Marines. Though he carried himself in a calm and composed fashion, he constantly led the charge to bring the fight to the enemy. STEVE INSKEEP, host: The White House is about to bestow the highest military award on a Navy SEAL from Southern California. You had winemakers make a special wine for him. Monsoor died on Sept. 29, 2006, and was buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Demitrius J. Williams). Duval's Top 10 September real estate: Queen's Harbour Colonial goes for $3.5 million. Monsoor's position made him the only SEAL on the rooftop with quick access to an escape route. The Moving Funeral of Petty Officer Mike Monsoor-Truth! A warship that proudly bears his name. Everyone in the unit knows Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor's career history and shares it with all new cadets. The text of his citation reads: For service as set forth in the following. 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. It is my honor to make it for him." October 14, 2019 | Fort Sam Houston, TX. As we bridge this, Father Halladay, Michael's faith, and the family's faith. Monsoor yelled, Grenade! and dropped on top of the grenade prior to it exploding. After the engagements, the local populace blocked off the roads in the area with rocks to keep civilians away and to warn insurgents of the presence of his Coalition sniper element. All rights reserved. As the coffin passed each SEAL, they slapped down the gold Trident each had removed from his own uniform and deeply embedded it into the wooden coffin. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. by Norman Fulkerson May 22, 2008. But, he didn't give up. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, All Major Military Award Recipients (PDF), Medal of Honor Recipient's Story of Overcoming Obstacles and Sacrifice, Transcript of Veterans Radio Host Jim Fausone's Interview with. Monsoor enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001 and graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in 2004. All of the rest of the men, three SEALs, and the Iraqi interpreters, survived because of what Michael did for them willingly. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, They were providing overwatch security while joint and combined forces were conducting missions in the area. 29, 2006, when he was killed . Copyright 2018 by Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Petty Officer Monsoor reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. To me, they're worth dying for, because there's a bond between brothers, and that bond transcends blood. On March 31, 2008, the United States Department of Defense confirmed that Monsoor would posthumously receive the Medal of Honor from the president of the United States, George W. Bush, for his valiant and selfless actions to save the lives of his SEAL teammates by sacrificing his own, during combat in Ramadi, Iraq on September 29, 2006. Camp Morena. Margaret Louise Monsoor, our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away in her sleep on August 8, 2021. I had no idea. A mutually supporting SEAL/IA position also killed an enemy fighter during the morning hours. Faith conquers all. 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. One minute of prayer each night-Grass Roots Effort! 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. Monsoor . Kind of related to how that gift continues to ripple forward. He aggressively stabilized each chaotic situation with focused determination and uncanny tactical awareness. I think Michael probably got some of his good leadership principles from following along Lieutenant Commander Willink. Only you guys, only the men, and women who have served in these stressful situations can attest something happens. He gave his life to protect comrades . Close. They divided into two groups of four and they were providing bounding sniper overwatch for their Brothers in Arms. Shortly thereafter, an enemy fighter shot a rocket-propelled grenade at his building. Received the Silver Star posthumously for previous heroic actions in Iraq on May 9, 2006 when he pulled a wounded teammate to safety while under hostile enemy fire. The future USS Michael Monsoor, named for Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Ramadi, Iraq, on September. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Monsoor was a Navy SEAL deployed to Iraq in April 2006. U.S. Navy via Getty Images . Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. For service as set forth in the following CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Automatic Weapons Gunner for Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 29 September 2006. I've met him and interviewed him and now I get it. Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. He graduated in September 2004 and joined SEAL Team 3 in 2005. We're his siblings, just let us be. Your act and demonstrated honor is a high standard for all of us. So the majority of the platoon will get ready, they'll pack up, they'll get things on their containers to head home and they'll start getting ready to phase out and the new team will come back in. The overwatch couldnt tell where the RPG came from and didnt return fire., Read Michael Monsoors Summary of Action for September 29th, 2006. Rose Rea: Yes, it is a powerful one. 230216-NO146-2001GULF OF ADEN (Feb. 16, 2023) Sailors from Republic of Korea Navy ship ROKS Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin (DDH975) assist civilian mariners from France, Feb. 16, 2023. [10] Monsoor's parents, Sally and George Monsoor, received the medal on his behalf at an April 8, ceremony at the White House held by the President. Fausone: Well sometimes this arc is just perfect, and I think that was a good example of it. Monsoor was born April 5, 1981, in Long Beach, California, the third of four children of Sally Ann (Boyle) and George Paul Monsoor. He was a member of the elite branch of the Navy called SEALS, which stands for SEa, Air and Land. Monsoor was protecting other SEALs, two of whom were 15 feet away from him. He attended Catholic Mass devotionally before operations, and often spoke lovingly of his family - his older brother, a police officer and former Marine for whom he held great respect; his sister, a nurse; and his younger brother, a college football player. However, I was patient but I just kept nudging and saying this is such a profound story. It's still hard for the men he saved - I would say 100% they feel a sense of guilt. So my husband brings this book home and there's one paragraph - that's all it was - one paragraph. and jumped onto the grenade, covering it with his body. During Operation Kentucky Jumper, a combined Coalition battalion clearance and isolation operation in southern Ar Ramadi, he served as automatic weapons gunner in a combined SEAL and Iraqi Army (IA) sniper overwatch element positioned on a residential rooftop in a violent sector and historical stronghold for insurgents. There is a lot that goes into naming the ship. Fausone: I think that's one of the lessons, right? Strengthening him to do his job was the sacraments - what Catholics use as a Sacrament. ALTHOUGH ONLY HE COULD HAVE ESCAPED THE BLAST, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR CHOSE INSTEAD TO PROTECT HIS TEAMMATES. 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. By his courageous and selfless actions, he saved the lives of his two fellow SEALs and he is the most deserving of the special recognition afforded by awarding the Medal of Honor. Fausone: Go ahead and set us up for what happened on September 29, 2006 when Michael and three other snipers were there. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. She was 94 years old. And then he had communications equipment. During the funeral, as the coffin was moving from the hearse to the grave site, Navy SEALs were lined up forming a column of twos on both sides of . We put in the story what he told his mom or brother - he said you'll have to drag my dead body off the beach before I quit again. Some sort of bonding and love of your fellow man deepens in those situations. The first, USS Zumwalt, is named after Elmo R. Zumwalt Jr., chief of naval operations from 1970 to 1974. One of them belongs to Michael Monsoor. There was no other option for him. UNITED STATES NAVY We've talked a little bit about the reaction to this sacrifice, but does the family feel that the sacrifice going forward in a ripple effect, will that continue to go forward? It was communion, it was Eucharist, it was confession. The vessel was adrift in the Gulf of Aden for three days due to an engine. All morning long the overwatch position received harassment fire that had become a typical part of the day for the security team. BECOMING COUSTEAU Liz Garbus, Dan Cogan; COW Andrea Arnold, Kat Mansoor; FLEE Jonas Poher Rasmussen. Monsoor was engaged in a firefight in Ramadi when, according to the military report, he and another SEAL pulled a team member shot in the leg to safety while bullets pinged off the ground around them., On 29 September (2006), Monsoor was part of a sniper overwatch security position in eastern Ramadi, Iraq, with three other SEALs and eight Iraqi soldiers. This is what I said: Ladies and gentlemen. But then they started to take fire which happened pretty fast, and ultimately, a grenade was thrown on the rooftop. Fausone: One of the things you talk about is as Michael was going through and became a SEAL, he wanted to go on to sniper school. Clyde B. Jones Funeral Home and Versus Legal Attorneys-at-Law specially invite you to attend. In the book, "Defend Us in Battle: The True Story of MA2 Navy SEAL Medal of Honor Recipient Michael A. Monsoor". During their deployment, Mike and his fellow SEALS came under enemy attack on 75 percent of their missions. I feel like it was about a hundred pounds extra the guys were telling me from bullets from his SAW Gun, which you probably could go into more specifics about, but I meant it was a huge automatic weapon. [6], On September 29, 2006, Monsoor's platoon engaged four insurgents in a firefight in Ramadi, killing one and injuring another. Rea: It did after and he was able to say that to them when they met him after he had passed away. The symbolic display moved many, included Bush, who during his speech in April's Medal of Honor ceremony spoke about the incident. The Mountain Warfare Training Facility Camp Michael Monsoor is located 50 miles east of San Diego, near the city of Campo. Monsoor was severely wounded and although evacuated immediately, he died 30 minutes later. Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor was killed in battle in Iraq in September 2006, and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in April. Monica Hellstrm; THE RESCUE Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, John Battsek, P. J. van . Unrelated, Chris Kyle operated on the far western side of the city in support of additional special warfare operations; he reportedly killed 84 insurgents. As enemy activity increased, Petty Officer Monsoor took position with his machine gun between two teammates on an outcropping of the roof. They patrolled bravely through the city streets engaging in firefights while on other occasions, they ambushed insurgent mortar teams near the banks of the Euphrates River. : USS Michael Monsoor DDG-1001 2. A fellow Navy Seal who knew and trained with Monsoor told TruthorFiction.com that he had already earned a Silver Star for Bravery and a Bronze Star for separate acts of valor. Rea: I think that is one of my favorite parts because even thinking about writing those words. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. Michael Anthony Monsoor (5 April 1981 - 29 September 2006) was a U.S. Navy SEAL killed during the Iraq War. Rea: It's so true. . After further training he was assigned to Delta Platoon, SEAL Team Three. 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. Instead, Monsoor chose to protect his comrades by the sacrifice of his own life. Upon graduation from basic training, he attended Master At Arms "A" School. And from a mother's perspective, it's heartbreaking. He was only the second SEAL to die in Iraq since the war began. He also helped load his wounded teammate into a High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle for evacuation, then returned to combat. Delta Platoon was sent to Iraq in April 2006 and assigned to train Iraqi Army soldiers in Ramadi. They were down below, I think they're reinforcing some fencing with security measures and whatnot and then Michael and the other SEALs were on rooftops. You see those friendships that were deep in there. How many times? SAN DIEGO - The Navy's newest Zumwalt-class destroyer, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), was commissioned Jan. 26 at Naval Air Station North Island.. Twenty gold star families and four Medal of Honor recipients witnessed the Navy's second Zumwalt-class destroyer enter the fleet. 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 . But we fight onfor the men to our left and rightwe fight on. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Market data provided by Factset. This story is so incredible so it really gives people a perspective and a glimpse into who was this boy that made this split-second decision that changed lives forever. Fausone: He was the automatic weapons operator carrying the MK-48 and all that extra weight, there's a responsibility to the other guys because you're carrying that weapon to protect them. USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001) will be commissioned into Navy service. There was only one access point for entry or exit and Monsoor was the only one who could have saved himself from harm. He will inspire the crew, just as he inspired his teammates. Again, a great story about a terrific young man who made the ultimate sacrifice for his mates - a selfless act. I enlisted because of people like him, because of people who are willing to fight and die for their fellow man. The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest before falling to the ground. You had middle school classes want to make videos and learned about his story. They weren't Navy SEALs. Read Michael Monsoors Summary of Action for September 29th, 2006, As Kristen Scharnberg of the ChicagoTribune summarized in tribute, The men who were there that day say they could see the options flicker across Michael Mansoors face: save himself or save the men he had long considered brothers. Michael Anthony Monsoor (April 5, 1981 September 29, 2006) was a United States Navy SEAL who was killed during Invasion of Iraq and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Michael obviously knew what was going down, as he was operating on this nightly basis. Element snipers thwarted the enemy's initial attempt by eliminating two insurgents. 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. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Just like Marine Corps Sgt Rafael Peralta before him he jumped on a grenade to save the lives of the other Navy Seals in his snipers nest:. In the picture, his brother SEALs are nearbybut Mikey is out front. Michael just took all that on and he was never one to back down from anything. They had been through enough. 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. Perry, Tony, "Destroyer To Bear O.C. You may print and distribute in quantity for all non-profit, educational purposes. The trident is a U.S. Navy special warfare badge worn by SEALs. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Each time I read of Michael's sacrifice I'm so amazed & heartbroken. It is heart breaking to hear that, he is gone. I met Mike Monsoor when he checked into SEAL Team Three as a new, highly-motivated young frogman. May the Lord comfort you. Additionally, a nearby mosque called insurgents to arms to fight Coalition Forces. Mikes gun is at the ready. Rea: Yeah. Many of my brothers have fallen. But I know that, he died doing something he loved. Monsoor was the . Michael the Archangel by Guido Reni, Santa Maria della Concezione, Rome, 1636. His funeral in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego . And even the siblings of course, because they don't know all the operations he went on either. So it just marries together so many wonderful stories and memories. It showed Mike and his platoon mates in the war-torn streets of Ramadi, shrouded in a mist of greenish-yellow smoke, which was used to mask their movement from the enemy. Over the next five months, Monsoor and his platoon frequently engaged in combat with insurgent forces. The grenade detonated as he came down on top of it, mortally wounding him. He really wanted to protect them. When I started reading the memorials at the back of the book, I could feel how meaningful different memorials would have been to Michael. These men who are in the field with the Warriors give great counsel, and great solace. Fausone:Yes and it's a huge honor. I believe I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Mr. Monsoor there. Positioned next to the single exit, Monsoor was the only one who could have escaped harm. Exploit isn't the right word - that happens right? Not much is known of the circumstances surrounding his death, family members said . As his Task Unit Commander, I was asked to speak at a ceremony at the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., where his parents were presented with the Medal of Honor Flag. Market data provided by Factset. Legal Statement. From the US Navy: Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael Anthony Monsoor. Those chaplains of whatever denomination are doing great work with our men and I was really interested to read that Michael Monsoor, this Medal of Honor recipient, had that kind of relationship with that kind of chaplain when he was in Iraq. [21][22][23], Michael Monsoor is mentioned in the book of Rorke Denver "Damn Few: Making the Modern SEAL Warrior".[24]. George's son, Michael, is a recipient of the Medal of Honor and we're going to tell Michael's story. When a grenade thrown by insurgents bounced off Michael's chest, he could have escaped. Lord, protect my brothers above all else. IN THE EARLY MORNING, INSURGENTS PREPARED TO EXECUTE A COORDINATED ATTACK BY RECONNOITERING THE AREA AROUND THE ELEMENT'S POSITION. The guy who made this special box - almost like a shadow box, but it's a decorative box - he said, "No I want to do this, don't pay me a cent. Commander, Navy Installations Command | 716 Sicard Street SE Suite 1000 | Washington DC, 20374-5140 Official U.S. Navy Website Fausone: Another person in the book that I think reflects Michael's character is Father Halladay. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. President Bush on Tuesday said, "The Medal of Honor is America's highest decoration for military valor. Mountain Warfare Training Camp Michael Monsoor. Security services could have stopped Manchester Arena attack if they acted on intelligence, and bomber's own family 'holds significant responsibility' for his radicalisation, damning report finds Instead, knowing what the outcome would be, he fell on the grenade to save the others from harm. Kirsten Wang. As we approach the Anniversary of Mikey's sacrifice, I want to tell you about this man. On March 31, 2008, the United States Department of Defense confirmed that Monsoor would posthumously receive the Medal of Honor.
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