His sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. A 28-year-old Lieutenant, who sustained shrapnel wounds to both legs that day, said the following in crediting Monsoor with saving his life: He never took his eye off the grenade his only movement was down toward it. And from a mother's perspective, it's heartbreaking. His face is calm, almost smilingdespite the obvious chaos and danger around him. Monsoor was a Navy SEAL deployed to Iraq in April 2006. I was part of their community. As Mikes coffin passed, each SEAL, having removed his gold Trident from his uniform, slapped it down embedding the Trident in the wooden coffin. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. THE ENEMY CONTINUED TO ASSAULT THE ELEMENT, ENGAGING THEM WITH A ROCKET-PROPELLED GRENADE AND SMALL ARMS FIRE. This electronic book is available for free download and printing from www.homeofheroes.com. I believe I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Mr. Monsoor there. I think George will fight for his son and stand up for his memory his whole life. Copyright 2018 by Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC Surely there is a special place in God's realm for him. 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. His quiet demeanor and dedication to his friends matched the "Silent Warrior" SEAL mentality that was to become his calling in life. 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. [6], On September 29, 2006, Monsoor's platoon engaged four insurgents in a firefight in Ramadi, killing one and injuring another. 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. A very uneventful day at first, Jim. 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. Positioned next to the single exit, Monsoor was the only one who could have escaped harm. [3][5], Monsoor was described as a "quiet professional" and a "fun-loving guy" by those who knew him. The action for which he ultimately received the Medal of Honor occurred in September 2006 when he was on a rooftop post in Ramadi, Iraq and we'll tell that story. Exactly with that weapon, he was providing cover fire. After further training he was assigned to Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3. "And when it was all over, the simple wooden coffin had become a gold-plated memorial to a hero who will never be forgotten.. Monica Hellstrm; THE RESCUE Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, John Battsek, P. J. van . While the SEALs vigilantly watched for enemy activity, an insurgent threw a hand grenade from an unseen location, which bounced off Petty Officer Monsoor's chest and landed in front of him. 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. You record a conversation that George told you he had with Michael. Fausone: "Defend Us in Battle" is on the Harper Horizon imprint. One minute of prayer each night-Grass Roots Effort! The other thing, not everyone's going to understand the gravity of this, but he was a new guy. Ramadi had been a violent and intense area for a very strong . October 14, 2019 | Fort Sam Houston, TX. He chose them. SAN DIEGO - Zumwalt-class destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) held a change of command. Navy Narrative: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. A couple of hours later, an insurgency fighter closed on the overwatch position and threw a fragment grenade into the overwatch position which hit Monsoor in the chest before falling in front of him. Monsoor's position made him the only SEAL on the rooftop with quick access to an escape route. Rea: It's so true. 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. The hardened enemy was bent on destruction; they fought with ruthlessness, constantly on the attack with machine guns, mortars, grenades, and IEDs. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. Michael fought and fought and fought, even since he was little, to beat his ailment. You had a chance to talk to some of these men. We worked hand-in-hand and one by one with his teammates. Close. But I know that, he died doing something he loved. US Navy Medal of Honor recipient (19812006), Mountain Warfare Training Camp Michael Monsoor, Garden Grove High School Memorial Stadium. I thought that was beautiful and respectful. It does cause you to say, every time I read one of these stories, how do you do that? And then, as you know, at the end of the book who says that powerful prayer at the end, who's able to be there and the huge commissioning of bringing his ship to life but Father Paul Halladay. Mike and his fellow SEALs accounted for 84 enemy fighters killed in action and the detainment of numerous insurgents. I met Mike Monsoor when he checked into SEAL Team Three as a new, highly-motivated young frogman. May the Lord comfort you. One of them belongs to Michael Monsoor. 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:. He was one of the best men I've ever met and although we were merely colleagues, I still mourn his every Memorial Day and September 29th. THE ENEMY CONTINUED TO ASSAULT THE ELEMENT, ENGAGING THEM WITH A ROCKET-PROPELLED GRENADE AND SMALL ARMS FIRE. George eventually said okay, let's do it. : USS Michael Monsoor DDG-1001 2. Bless their hearts. Death is everywhere. And while there is no way that a steel and iron ship can ever replace the flesh and blood that was Michael Monsoor, at the same time, there is no more fitting memorial to him than a warship. The symbolic display moved many, included Bush, who during his speech in April's Medal of Honor ceremony spoke about the incident. On May 9, 2006 Mike rescued a SEAL who was shot in the leg. 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. His valorous conduct, exemplary leadership, and extraordinary self-sacrifice for his fellow service members have earned him the highest respect and gratitude of his fellow SEALs, the Navy, and our nation. He is survived by his parents, an older sister and two brothers. He knew some of these guys were going home early, it's called turnover. He will inspire the crew, just as he inspired his teammates. I am so proud to be a part of this Band of Brothers. Rea: Michael had a crazy deployment and super high tempo operating throughout the whole thing, and then they were finally starting to wind down after about six months. [16], In 2011, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs honored Monsoor by naming one of the first three named streets at Miramar National Cemetery after him. It is my honor to make it for him." Though he carried himself in a calm and composed fashion, he constantly led the charge to bring the fight to the enemy. Each time insurgents assaulted his team with small arms fire or rocket propelled grenades, he quickly assessed the situation, determined the best course of action to counter the enemy assaults, and implemented his plan to gain the best tactical advantage. The vessel was adrift in the Gulf of Aden for three days due to an engine. 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. Immediately, Monsoor yelled "Grenade!" You had middle school classes want to make videos and learned about his story. These men who are in the field with the Warriors give great counsel, and great solace. But we fight onfor the men to our left and rightwe fight on. I am Michael Monsoor. And his story offers some perspective on the long war in Iraq and the chaos there today. Michael Anthony Monsoor was born on 5 April 1981 in Long Beach, CA, the third of four children born to George and Sally Monsoor. Monsoor yelled, Grenade! and dropped on top of the grenade prior to it exploding. I want to point out, it also happens to be Saint Michael the Archangels Feast Day. 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. Click to see a video showing the SEALs' tribute to Monsoor on YouTube. The Moving Funeral of Petty Officer Mike Monsoor-Truth! 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. Instead, he threw himself onto the live grenade, shielding his fellow soldiers from the immediate explosion. While the SEALs vigilantly watched for enemy activity, an insurgent threw a hand grenade from an unseen location, which bounced off Petty Officer Monsoor's chest and landed in front of him. All rights reserved. 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. The four had been working with Iraqi soldiers providing sniper security while U.S. and Iraqi forces conducted missions in the area. The following month, his rating changed from Quartermaster to Master-at-Arms, and he was assigned to SEAL Team 3 Delta Platoon. This gun is nicknamed "The Pig" because of its squealing sound and because there's so much force when they're shooting it. All Rights Reserved. Instead, he dropped onto the grenade to shield the others from the blast. PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 5, 2020) Seaman Davon Ramos, from New York, looks through binoculars while standing watch on the port bridge wing aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) during a vertical replenishment with Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194) and the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Regan (CVN 76). It was such an honor and they felt safe with me because I wasn't just a reporter. I know why Michael continued to foster this relationship. He has an older brother James and older . [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. In the picture, his brother SEALs are nearbybut Mikey is out front. Margaret Louise Monsoor, our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away in her sleep on August 8, 2021. [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. Together, we live in dust and dirt and filth. Fausone: And he gave them a gift, just like he gave a lot of people who have heard the story this gift. The Early Years. Monsoor enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001 and graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in 2004. You had winemakers make a special wine for him. Petty Officer Second Class Michael Anthony Monsoor was born April 5, 1981 in Long Beach, Calif. Michael . Legal Statement. Can you talk to us a little bit about learning that part of the story, which I suspect his parents knew nothing about when he was over in Iraq? That picture says so much. Summary of eRumor: The eRumor describes the funeral of Navy petty officer Mike Monsoor, who lost is own life in Iraq to save the lives of other Navy SEALs. I enlisted because of people like him, because of people who are willing to fight and die for their fellow man. Element snipers thwarted the enemy's initial attempt by eliminating two insurgents. 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart/Released). It is a city devastated by war. Two other SEALs next to him at the time were injured by the explosion but survived. Rea: Yes. Michael the Archangel by Guido Reni, Santa Maria della Concezione, Rome, 1636. 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. I remember his mom telling me she said, "Michael you can't do everything," because he just continued to carry the extra load, the extra weight. BECOMING COUSTEAU Liz Garbus, Dan Cogan; COW Andrea Arnold, Kat Mansoor; FLEE Jonas Poher Rasmussen. President's 13 Year Old Daughter Spent Spring Break in Mexico-Truth. You may print and distribute in quantity for all non-profit, educational purposes. Most notably, the Army Infantry, Navy SEAL and Iraqi Army combined force helped to pacify the most violent city in Al Anbar province setting conditions for the Sunni Awakening. Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which was presented by President George W. Bush to Monsoor's parents on April 8, 2008. As we approach the Anniversary of Mikey's sacrifice, I want to tell you about this man. Talk a little bit about the role and responsibility that goes with being that automatic weapon operator. Rea: Jim, I was able to interview the childhood friend, who also became a SEAL which is so cool - behind-the-scenes little tidbit there. 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. It's still hard for the men he saved - I would say 100% they feel a sense of guilt. Michael died thirty minutes later, having made the ultimate sacrifice. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on 29 September 2006. It's really a selfless sacrifice and you end up giving this gift to those who are spared. He had this unbreakable little will at such a young age and it was so inspiring. He will receive the award for his actions in Ar Ramadi, Iraq on Sept. 29, 2006. Most of you probably have never heard of it, and we're going to tell it a little bit because Rose went through talking to all of his buddies in the Navy. Just let them have their brother. 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. Fausone: I think again, another very important part because of a mother's concern and pain you sort of mention. The SEALs fired back and stood their ground. I think there's a lesson for all of us here, isn't there? When I started reading the memorials at the back of the book, I could feel how meaningful different memorials would have been to Michael. When a grenade thrown by insurgents bounced off Michael's chest, he could have escaped. 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. 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. Not everyone can step in and do it that well, that fast. box of lies online generator michael monsoor funeral. An official website of the United States government, VA Vet Center (Supports vets, service members, and their families), Bush Confers Highest Military Decoration on Fallen Navy SEAL, Navy SEAL to Receive Medal of Honor Posthumously, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. As I look at this picture, I hear a voice in a humble but confident tone. Monsoor was the . FOR CONSPICUOUS GALLANTRY AND INTREPIDITY AT THE RISK OF HIS LIFE ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY AS AUTOMATIC WEAPONS GUNNER FOR NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE TASK GROUP ARABIAN PENINSULA, IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM ON 29 SEPTEMBER 2006. He said he died in the state of grace and for what Catholics believe, with the sacraments and what else. In fact, he would continue to agree to do more. Requiescate in pace. The grenade exploded seconds later and Monsoor's body absorbed most of the force of the blast. Fausone: There are a number of lessons, and I think we hold these men who receive the Medal of Honor so highly that we can learn some lessons. From April to Sept. 29, 2006, Mike served as a heavy weapons machine gunner in Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3. But George got to talk to Michael and tell him, "Hey, don't be a hero" and Michael responded, "I have no regrets." I can't speak for him, but I assume that's why he kept it to himself. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. . The overwatch couldnt tell where the RPG came from and didnt return fire.A couple of hours later, an insurgency fighter closed on the overwatch position and threw a fragment grenade into the overwatch position which hit Monsoor in the chest before falling in front of him. Petty Officer Second Class Michael Anthony Monsoor was born April 5, 1981 in Long Beach, Calif. Michael grew up in Garden Grove, Calif., as the third of four children of George and Sally Monsoor. Monsoor described as an "outgoing guy" by his grandfather, George Monsoor, Sr. was killed on Sept. 29, 2006. Home Haller Motorworx & Farm Equipment Magazine, AR 479 969-6464. They really didn't - it was definitely something. April 5, 1981 - Sept. 29, 2006. He was 25 years old. Hi, I was a volunteer at the Bob Hope USO @ LAX for ten years and currently on occasion volunteer at the USO in San Diego. Quote job ref. USSMichael Monsoor (DDG-1001), the second ship in the Zumwalt class of guided missile destroyers, was also named in his honor. At his Oct. 12 funeral, as the e-mail states, Navy SEALs took their trident pins and pounded them . Sally recently passed away, and they were married for 49 years, so that is very heartbreaking. 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. Monsoors body shielded the others from the brunt of the fragmentation blast and two other SEALs were only wounded by the remaining blast., One of the key aspects of this incident was the way the overwatch position was structured. Monsoor died approximately 30 minutes later from wounds sustained from the blast. Bullet holes cover the rubbled buildings. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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. Fausone: And again, that's the lesson to learn. 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. On April 8, 2008, Master at Arms, 2nd Class Michael Anthony Monsoor (4/5/81 to 09/29/06) , a Navy EOD Technician, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously for jumping on a grenade . Such an amazing man! UNITED STATES NAVY As enemy activity increased, Petty Officer Monsoor took position with his machine gun between two teammates on an outcropping of the roof. As for his family, please accept my deepest sympathy. It is the first Navy combat ship named for fallen Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions while serving in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006. He was Catholic and he found this incredible priest. The ship honors Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who was posthumously awarded the Medal of . He really wanted to protect them. Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for diving onto a grenade to save his teammates in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, on September 29, 2006. On April 8, 2008, Monsoor was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously officiated by President George W. Bush in a ceremony at the White House . Fausone: I think that's one of the lessons, right? He was a loyal friend and exceptional SEAL, and he is sorely missed by his brothers in Task Unit Bravo. This was a fitting send-off for a warrior hero. I have looked at this picture over and over again and it speaks to me. In the morning, his team observed four enemy fighters armed with AK-47s reconnoitering from roads in the sector to conduct follow-on attacks. Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for diving onto a grenade to save his teammates in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, on September 29, 2006. I miss my mother, my father, my sister, and my brothers. Funeral. His leadership, guidance and decisive actions during 11 different combat operations saved the lives of his teammates, other Coalition Forces and Iraqi Army soldiers. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. He was only the second SEAL to die in Iraq since the war began. An incredible athlete, Mike enjoyed snowboarding, body boarding, spear fishing, motorcycle riding, and driving his Corvette. There is a lot that goes into naming the ship. He has an older brother James and older sister Sara, and a younger brother Joseph. Tell us about this day that will always be remembered. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. I think Michael probably got some of his good leadership principles from following along Lieutenant Commander Willink. Petty Officer Second Class Michael Anthony Monsoor was born April 5, 1981 in Long Beach, Calif. Michael grew up in Garden Grove, Calif., as the third of four children of George and Sally Monsoor. IN THE EARLY MORNING, INSURGENTS PREPARED TO EXECUTE A COORDINATED ATTACK BY RECONNOITERING THE AREA AROUND THE ELEMENTS POSITION. But he didn't give up, he quit but he didn't give up. George's son, Michael, is a recipient of the Medal of Honor and we're going to tell Michael's story. Rea:Right. 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. He's heading into his 20th year of service this summer. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Fausone: Again, it's one of those things that demonstrates his character. You quit. 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. MASTER-AT-ARMS SECOND CLASS (SEA, AIR AND LAND) MICHAEL A. MONSOOR, MA2 MICHAEL A. MONSOOR, USN with sailors on his tour. And Michael turned all of that away, Jim because he believed in a bigger ideal. Rea: I don't think we'll ever understand, Jim. His life and unfortunate death are inspiring. This voice says to me: I am patrolling through the streets of Ramadi. Civilians aiding the insurgents blocked off the streets, and a nearby mosque had broadcast a message for people to fight against the Americans and the Iraqi soldiers. "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. Rea: So, so powerful. Acting as the senior leader by leading a team of 3. 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. Like most fighting ships, its namesake will be woven into . (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Demitrius J. Williams). Click to read President Bush's full speech at Monsoor's Medal of Honor ceremony. I love my country, my fellow SEALs, and the men fighting alongside us. The enemy could not deter Michael and his SEAL platoon. Ahead of the ceremony, Master-At-Arms 2nd Cl. Ramadi at the time was the epicenter of the insurgency in Iraq, a city filled with peril. They made him an honorary Chief because if he was alive, he still would have been. They weren't Navy SEALs. ALTHOUGH ONLY HE COULD HAVE ESCAPED THE BLAST, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR CHOSE INSTEAD TO PROTECT HIS TEAMMATES. They had lost their son and it's been a lot. Not out of any sort of reason other than just letting us be. Monsoor, a 25-year-old gunner, was killed in the explosion in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. Camp Morena. Monsoor quickly smothered the grenade with his body, absorbing the resulting explosion and saving his comrades from serious injury or death. The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to. Her prayers for her son are just a reflection of what every mother is doing when their boys are overseas, or daughters are overseas. Twenty Gold Star families and four Medal of Honor recipients witnessed the second Zumwalt-class destroyer enter the fleet. Multiple times that we shared in the book. It was this cool relationship, almost this Brotherhood camaraderie too, between this Navy chaplain priest and Michael. Rose Rea: Yes, it is a powerful one.
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