It represents the three aspects of SEAL special operations, sea, air, and land. The grenade detonated as he came down on top of it, mortally wounding him. I served with him in the Military and I can tell you that he was humble and would do just about anything asked of him to help. 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. I leave nothing but love and I have no regrets. Please reset your password. Over the next five months, Monsoor and his platoon frequently engaged in combat with insurgent forces. SEAL snipers from his roof engaged two of them which resulted in one enemy wounded in action and one enemy killed in action. Thank-you for Michael's service & his and your sacrifices. Many of my brothers have fallen. A warship that proudly bears his name. "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. See the above video that i linked to.--86.4.87.120 12:14, 2 May 2010 (UTC) Reply That his casket was covered with SEAL Tridents is documented by various news outlets. As extraordinary as all of this is, it was merely a prelude to the defining moment of his life in the rooftop over-watch. Rest in peace, Michael Monsoor. Fr. A mutually supporting SEAL/IA position also killed an enemy fighter during the morning hours. After further training he was assigned to Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3. Learn more about managing a memorial . Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. Mike and two teammates had taken position on the outcropping of a rooftop when an insurgent grenade bounced off Mike's chest and landed on the roof. Lord, protect my brothers above all else. In April 2006 he was sent to Iraq on his first tour of duty. hide-sight in time to escape harm. As I look at this picture, Lt. Willink said, I hear a voice in a humble but confident tone.. based on information from your browser. I know the importance of family because there is nothing more important to me, than my family. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. 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. Surely there is a special place in God's realm for him. Legal Statement. Vast swaths of Ukraine have been transformed into potential crime scenes. After further training 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. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. He gave his life to protect comrades . Joan Elizabeth Brennan Donnelly, passed into the perpetual light on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in her home. 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. . 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. They are words which I feel Michael Monsoor is saying to every American who appreciates the unbelievable sacrifice he made in a faraway land. 1:09 EVERETT One of the Navy's newest destroyers paid a visit to Puget Sound this weekend. Patricia Monsoor, his aunt and godmother, said he went to confession frequently and other soldiers who were not practicing would sometimes follow [him to Mass] because of his good example.. UNITED STATES NAVY Once again he and death would meet and once again he put others first. The ultimate friend. The enemy continued to assault the element, engaging them with a rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire. Family members linked to this person will appear here. Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor received the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House April 8, 2008. I want to make them smile and laugh but I am far from home. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. This is a carousel with slides. He was the ultimate teammate. STEVE INSKEEP, host: The White House is about to bestow the highest military award on a Navy SEAL from Southern California. Upon graduation from basic training, he attended Master At Arms "A" School. Her life was, by any reasonable measure, marred by tragedy, yet she maintained a quiet strength and an amazing sense of humor that kept her at peace. Iraq War Medal of Honor Recipient. [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". Far from his family and the country he loved. When Mike died, a picture of him circulated the news. Immediately, Monsoor yelled "Grenade!" Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Claim: Account describes Navy SEALs' funereal tribute to Medal of Honor recipient Mike Monsoor. THE ENEMY CONTINUED TO ASSAULT THE ELEMENT, ENGAGING THEM WITH A ROCKET-PROPELLED GRENADE AND SMALL ARMS FIRE. He also knew that he was two short weeks away from returning home to family and friends. Particularly a Military Funeral, held at a Military Cemetary. And death. On January 26, 2019, the U.S. Navy commissioned a ship named the USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001). Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which was presented by President George W. Bush to Monsoor's parents on April 8, 2008. I am so proud to be a part of this Band of Brothers. Since the media wont make this news, I choose to make it news by forwarding it onto you guys. . Named for a Medal of Honor recipient and Navy SEAL, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) will be commissioned Jan. 25. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor, United States Navy, distinguished himself through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Combat Advisor and Automatic Weapons Gunner for Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on 29 September 2006. His sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. Together, we live in dust and dirt and filth. [24], Mountain Warfare Training Camp Michael Monsoor, Garden Grove High School Memorial Stadium. Yes, the basic account is true, according to various Navy reports and fact-checking sources, although a few details in the e-mail are inaccurate. Instead, Monsoor chose to protect his comrades by the sacrifice of his own life. 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. The Mountain Warfare Training Facility Camp Michael Monsoor is located 50 miles east of San Diego, near the city of Campo. He was located closest to the egress route out of the sniper hide-sight watching for enemy activity through a tactical periscope over the parapet wall. GULF OF OMAN (April 30, 2023) Ensign Nicole Bucci executes a takedown during self-defense training aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), April 30, 2023, in the Gulf of Oman. He chose a different path, said Mr. Winter, a path of honor. On numerous occasions, Michael Monsoor stared death in the face in his heroic defense of others. This browser does not support getting your location. Joan was born in Port Chester, New York on June 9, 1942 to the late John Edward . He has an older brother James and older sister Sara, and a younger brother Joseph. SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 21, 2023) Sailors move ordnance on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). As for his family, please accept my deepest sympathy. Weve updated the security on the site. During Mike Monsoor's funeral in San Diego, as his coffin was being moved from the hearse to the grave site at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, SEALs were lined up on both sides of the pallbearers route forming a column of two's, with the coffin moving up the center. As we trained and prepared to deploy to Iraq, everyone learned that Mike was an incredible person. 1995 - 2023 by Snopes Media Group Inc. 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. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. But I know that, he died doing something he loved. President George W. Bush said at Monsoor's Medal of Honor ceremony, according to Fox News: "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.". 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 . He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on 29 September 2006. The following month, his rating changed from Quartermaster to Master-at-Arms, and he was assigned to SEAL Team 3 Delta Platoon. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. The picture shows Michael walking at the head of his platoon, through the war-torn streets of Ramadi. As someone that had the pleasure of knowing Mikey as a friend, and had the honor of serving with him on the battlefield, this photograph tells me a story. It was an appropriate position for a Catholic young man named after the warrior angel, Saint Michael. This material may not be reproduced without permission. His sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. Aviation_Intel. Petty Officer Monsoor was subsequently awarded the Bronze Star as the Task Unit Ramadi, Iraq Combat Advisor from April to September 2006. Paul Hamilton is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area. or redistributed. A reception will be held on Thursday, May 4th 2023 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Eagle Hall at St. John. Monsoor, a 25-year-old gunner, was killed in the explosion in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. On that day, Monsoor was part of a sniper overwatch security position with three other SEALs and eight Iraqi Army (IA) soldiers. I am Michael Monsoor I miss my family. [1] He enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001 and graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training BUD/S class 250 in 2004. Instead, he dropped onto the grenade to shield the others from the blast. 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. . 1. Michael enlisted in the U.S. Navy March 21, 2001, and attended Basic Training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Two SEALs next to Monsoor were injured; another who was 10 to 15 feet from the blast was unhurt. Although nothing can adequately prepare one for such a circumstance, Michael Monsoor seemed to be living a life which pointed to it. The SEALs fired back and stood their ground. His father George and older brother Jim had both been proud Marines. Michael A. Monsoor has been listed as one of the Warfare good articles under the good article criteria. It is a city devastated by war. The trident pin is awarded to those who become SEALs and represents the areas in which SEALs are trained: air, sea and land. In the Ma'laab district, Michael perfected his skills as an urban machine gunner. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart/Released). Two other SEALs next to him at the time were injured by the explosion but survived. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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. His teammates recall his sense of loyalty to God, family, and his team. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. 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. Market data provided by Factset. After loading his wounded teammate onto an evacuation vehicle, he returned to the battle. 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. Words seem insufficient to recognize him as the most honorable, decent, unselfish, brave man who gave his life to save others. On September 29, 2006, an insurgent threw a grenade onto a rooftop where Monsoor and several other SEALs and Iraqi soldiers were positioned. In April 2008, Monsoor was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions. On March 31, 2008, the United States Department of Defense confirmed that Monsoor would posthumously receive the Medal of Honor. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, 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. One minute of prayer each night-Grass Roots Effort! As enemy activity increased, Petty Officer Monsoor took position with his machine gun between two teammates on an outcropping of the roof. When we encounter Iraqi families I treat them with respect and dignity. carole.fader@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4635, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 0 cemeteries found in San Diego, San Diego County, California, USA. Origins: On 29 September 2006, 25-year-old Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor (MA2, not EOD2 as stated above) was killed during operations in enemy-held territory at Ar Ramadi, Iraq, when he threw himself on top of a grenade in order to save the lives of his fellow SEALS. Michael Anthony Monsoor (5 April 1981 - 29 September 2006) was a U.S. Navy SEAL killed during the Iraq War. THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon, and welcome. It was an appropriate end for a Catholic soldier who, according to many reports, was a practicing Catholic. Such an amazing man! https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/15971597/michael-anthony-monsoor. 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. His face is calm, almost smilingdespite the obvious chaos and danger around him. He will receive the award for his actions in Ar. He then finishes his speech with the words he imagines Michael saying to him. Failed to delete flower. A burial will be held on Wednesday, May 3rd 2023 at the King David Memorial Gardens (7482 Lee Hwy, Falls Church, VA 22042). I believe I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Mr. Monsoor there. Mike was one of the bravest men on the battlefield, never allowing the enemy to discourage him. [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. President's 13 Year Old Daughter Spent Spring Break in Mexico-Truth. It bounced off Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor's chest, then clattered on the deck. 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. Try again later. In spite of the chaos and danger which surrounds them, Michael is calm, almost smiling. His life and unfortunate death are inspiring. Snopes.com says it believes the photo was taken at the funeral of SEAL James Suh, killed in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005. MASTER-AT-ARMS SECOND CLASS (SEA, AIR AND LAND) MICHAEL A. MONSOOR, MA2 MICHAEL A. MONSOOR, USN with sailors on his tour. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. Once he and his men established a sniper overwatch position, he deftly transitioned to his role as a SEAL communicator calling in tank support and transmitting enemy situation reports to the 1-506 PIR Commander. An emotional Donald Winter quoted a passage from scripture already remembered by so many to describe Michael Monsoor. In April 2008, Michael Monsoor (who had already been posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his actions in a 9 May 2006 incident, when he and another SEAL pulled a wounded team member to safety amidst gunfire) was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. [1] He enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001 and graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training BUD/S class 250 in 2004. It was one of those rare moments when life passes before your eyes. At his Oct. 12 funeral, as the e-mail states, Navy SEALs took their trident pins and pounded them into the top of the casket. Petty Officer Monsoor's actions could not have been more selfless or clearly intentional. Though he carried himself in a calm and composed fashion, he constantly led the charge to bring the fight to the enemy. Failed to report flower. 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 trapezoidal-shaped USS Michael Monsoor came to Naval Station Everett on Friday, where the ship. The responsibility for protecting the rest of the unit fell squarely on his shoulders. [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. 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.
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