He chose them. And death. 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. Michael Monsoor is a hero for all the world to know about and appreciate. His funeral in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego was attended by nearly every SEAL on the West Coast, President Bush said. 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. MASTER AT ARMS SECOND CLASS, SEA, AIR and LAND . 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. 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. "And when it was all over, the simple wooden coffin had become a gold-plated memorial to a hero who will never be forgotten.. October 14, 2019 | Fort Sam Houston, TX. Michael inspired and looked out for his friends his whole life. We're talking to Rose Rea and she wrote the book, "Defend Us in Battle," with George Monsoor who's the father of Navy SEAL Michael Monsoor, who received the Medal of Honor from President George Bush back in 2008 for his actions in 2006 in Iraq. Not everyone can step in and do it that well, that fast. Portrait of Medal of Honor recipient Michael Monsoor. [5][6], A grenade was thrown onto the rooftop by an insurgent on the street below. Monsoor died on Sept. 29, 2006, and was buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. You had middle school classes want to make videos and learned about his story. Rea: It did after and he was able to say that to them when they met him after he had passed away. The guys talk about the weight you carry, the extra weight. 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. 'MI5 exists to stop atrocities. More importantly, how different groups whether it be at Fort Campbell or at Pendleton or in Norfolk, at churches, how wanted to make sure his name and his story in his sacrifice continued on. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. His teammates recall his sense of loyalty to God, family, and his team. Jim Fausone:We want to welcome to Veterans Radio today, Rose Rea. It was communion, it was Eucharist, it was confession. 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. I think there's a lesson for all of us here, isn't there? I've met him and interviewed him and now I get it. May the Lord comfort you. When we encounter Iraqi families, I treat them with respect and dignity. During Mike Monsoors 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 twos, with the coffin moving up the center. 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. Monsoor was the . He is survived by his mother Sally, his father George, his sister Sara, and his two brothers James and Joseph. Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. Monsoor died approximately 30 minutes later from wounds sustained from the blast. Monsoor's position made him the only SEAL on the rooftop with quick access to an escape route. The unit symbol is composed of Petty Officer Monsoor's Medal of Honor, SEAL Trident, and Master-at-Arms shield. 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 . I miss my mother, my father, my sister, and my brothers. He was 25 years old. The sad thing is that Michael was ready to die at any time and I'm sure a lot of those guys were, Jim. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, fighting together. Because why my brother and not me? 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. Monsoor and the two injured were evacuated to the combat outpost battalion aid station where Monsoor died approximately 30 minutes after the incident from injuries sustained by the grenade blast., Also due to Monsoors selfless actions, the fourth man of the SEAL squad who was 10-15 feet from the blast, was unhurt. 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. His funeral took place in October 12, 2006 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego.Other Navy SEALs lined the procession and slapped the trident devices from their uniforms to affix them onto the casket. 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. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Naval Auxiliary Landing Field San Clemente Island. We all hit those challenges in life and it's so easy to ring the bell which you do to get out of the BUD/S and SEAL training. As Mikes coffin passed, each SEAL, having removed his gold Trident from his uniform, slapped it down embedding the Trident in the wooden coffin. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. So, Michael willingly volunteered to stay and continue operating. Shortly thereafter, an enemy fighter shot a rocket-propelled grenade at his building. The Navy has operated on the 1,300 plus acres since the early 1960s, and is seeking to set aside an additional 4,486 acres of federal . You see those friendships that were deep in there. People need to know what he gave for his country, what he gave up willingly and so that started everything. Just let them have their brother. 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. Petty Officer Monsoor's actions could not have been more selfless or clearly intentional. Element snipers thwarted the enemy's initial attempt by eliminating two insurgents. Click to read President Bush's full speech at Monsoor's Medal of Honor ceremony. [17], In October 2008, United States Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter announced that the second ship in the Zumwalt class of destroyers would be named USSMichael Monsoor(DDG-1001) in honor of Petty Officer Monsoor. 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 the . 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. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on 29 September 2006. On September 29, 2006, Michael Monsoor and three SEAL snipers watched vigilantly for enemy activity from a rooftop post in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. 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. It's not always a religious thing, sometimes it's just that you have somebody safe you can express your fears with. 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. I want to hold my nephews and nieces again. Delta Platoon was sent to Iraq in April 2006 and assigned to train Iraqi Army soldiers in Ramadi. But I know that, he died doing something he loved. An incredible athlete, Mike enjoyed snowboarding, body boarding, spear fishing, motorcycle riding, and driving his Corvette. 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. Michael was the closest one where he could have jumped away from it, but the other three could not have. [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. Zumwalt-class destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) moored at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPACT) 2022. His face is calm, almost smilingdespite the obvious chaos and danger around him. 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. Tell us about finding those guys and in some measure pulling the stories out to make "Defend Us in Battle.". As you tell the story in "Defend Us in Battle," it seemed like the guys knew he knew he was taking on this extra responsibility to have their back. The name of Petty Officer Michael Anthony Monsoor will now be among them. It's been a very colorful and challenging life to live, but we're so grateful for our military men and women that serve us. Death is everywhere. All morning long the overwatch position received harassment fire that had become a typical part of the day for the security team. Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, 25, was killed in combat Sept. 29 in Ramadi, Iraq, west of Baghdad. 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. Fausone: And he gave them a gift, just like he gave a lot of people who have heard the story this gift. His life and unfortunate death are inspiring. Contact. Again, a great story about a terrific young man who made the ultimate sacrifice for his mates - a selfless act. I think George will fight for his son and stand up for his memory his whole life. On May 9, 2006 Mike rescued a SEAL who was shot in the leg. A relationship through how much they loved each other and then this brotherly love which ultimately grows and grows and then at the end, but after you saw how much he cared about his fellow squadmates didn't it almost make sense at the end as devastating as it was. When I started reading the memorials at the back of the book, I could feel how meaningful different memorials would have been to Michael. As we approach the Anniversary of Mikey's sacrifice, I want to tell you about this man. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. STEVE INSKEEP, host: The White House is about to bestow the highest military award on a Navy SEAL from Southern California. He continued to provide effective suppressive fire while simultaneously dragging the wounded SEAL to safety. There was only one access point for entry or exit and Monsoor was the only one who could have saved himself from harm. AS ENEMY ACTIVITY INCREASED, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR TOOK POSITION WITH HIS MACHINE GUN BETWEEN TWO TEAMMATES ON AN OUTCROPPING OF THE ROOF. 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. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. He graduated in September 2004 and joined SEAL Team 3 in 2005. To this day, they still blows me away. Thank-you again for Michael's service and your sacrifice. Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor was killed in battle in Iraq in September 2006, and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in April. Let me set this up a little bit. The 25-year-old California native died in 2006 . [21][22][23], Michael Monsoor is mentioned in the book of Rorke Denver "Damn Few: Making the Modern SEAL Warrior".[24]. Mike was one of the bravest men on the battlefield, never allowing the enemy to discourage him. Rea: I don't think we'll ever understand, Jim. Upon graduation from basic training, he attended Master At Arms "A" School. Rea: I know. He went back. He was a boy. Rea: It's no small thing. On that day, he was on a rooftop over-watch in . Your act and demonstrated honor is a high standard for all of us. Mike and his platoon operated in a highly contested part of Ramadi city called the Ma'laab district. Two SEALs next to Monsoor were injured; another who was 10 to 15 feet from the blast was unhurt. The following month, his rating changed from Quartermaster to Master-at-Arms, and he was assigned to Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3.[3][7]. Rea: It's so true. Her prayers for her son are just a reflection of what every mother is doing when their boys are overseas, or daughters are overseas. The four had been working with Iraqi soldiers providing sniper security while U.S. and Iraqi forces conducted missions in the area. Actually, there is a neat little memorial section in the back of the book that, yes there are these incredible memorials to him, but what I thought to point out is that the most powerful memorials right now are of all the sons of the brothers he saved who were named after him. Market data provided by Factset. 1927-2021. It does cause you to say, every time I read one of these stories, how do you do that? The following month, his rating changed from Quartermaster to Master-at-Arms, and he was assigned to SEAL Team 3 Delta Platoon. Camp Morena. Silver Strand Training Complex. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. LATEST NEWS The 40th Annual San Francisco Fleet Week Begins. PO2 (EOD2) Mike Monsoor, a Navy Seal, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously for jumping on a grenade in Iraq, giving his life to save his fellow Seals. On January 26, 2019, the U.S. Navy commissioned a ship named the USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001). They are willing to go to the ends of the Earth. He was Catholic and he found this incredible priest. On January 26th, 2019, the Zumwalt class destroyer. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Let's let certain things be, right? He is a real leadership guru and was at the time. Not out of any sort of reason other than just letting us be. Talk a little bit about the role and responsibility that goes with being that automatic weapon operator. Rea: It was my pleasure and it's been such a joy speaking with you. He had been assigned to protect fellow SEALs on a rooftop in Ramadi, Iraq, when a fierce firefight with insurgents broke out. 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. Forever the May Queen . Anticipating further attacks, Monsoor, three SEAL snipers and three Iraqi Army soldiers took up a rooftop position. 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. Really what Michael appreciated over there was strength. Surely there is a special place in God's realm for him. But fear is no match for my Faith. The ship honors Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who was posthumously awarded the Medal of . You talk in the book about how he got into sports - hockey and football - and pushed himself to overcome this medical challenge. Monsoor quickly smothered the grenade with his body, absorbing the resulting explosion and saving his comrades from serious injury or death. 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. 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. May the Lord continue to comfort you. 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. Faced with the choice to save his comrades or save himself, Monsoor threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the impact. Funeral. The grenade detonated as he came down on top of it, mortally wounding him. April 5, 1981 - Sept. 29, 2006. 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. When Mike died, a picture of him circulated the news. Three Ismaili Muslims were members of parliament, down one from 2019, and State Minister for Peace Sadat Mansoor Naderi is also an Ismaili Muslim. The vessel was adrift in the Gulf of Aden for three days due to an engine. Monsoor was the first Navy SEAL to earn the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq and the second Navy SEAL to receive the award since Sept. 11, 2001. 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. Don't consider yourself a loser. 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. Petty Officer Second Class Michael Anthony Monsoor was born April 5, 1981 in Long Beach, Calif. Michael . Praying for the loved ones of the fallen this weekend especially. Descripcin. He really wanted to protect them. All rights reserved. Figure out what you need to do to get better and get through that challenge. EVERETT One of the Navy's newest destroyers paid a visit to Puget Sound this weekend. He had this unbreakable little will at such a young age and it was so inspiring. Lieutenant Commander Jocko Willink, Navy SEAL. It is a city devastated by war. Such an amazing man! After further training he was assigned to Delta Platoon, SEAL Team Three. Two other SEALs next to him at the time were injured by the explosion but survived. Because of Petty Officer Monsoor's actions, he saved the lives of his 3 teammates and the IA soldiers. Instead, I smile at the Iraqi children when we pass them by. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. In September 2006, Michael laid down his life for his brothers in arms. 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. They divided into two groups of four and they were providing bounding sniper overwatch for their Brothers in Arms. On September 29, 2006, Ramadi, Iraq was considered the most dangerous city on planet earth for American servicemen. Monsoor yelled, Grenade! and dropped on top of the grenade prior to it exploding. The enemy could not deter Michael and his SEAL platoon. It wasn't like someone said something, I meant these really happened. And because of that, his men were able to get to safety. 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. There was no other option for him. But there was more of a story there. It was this cool relationship, almost this Brotherhood camaraderie too, between this Navy chaplain priest and Michael. Each time I read of Michael's sacrifice I'm so amazed & heartbroken. Faith conquers all. Many of my brothers have fallen. I think Michael probably got some of his good leadership principles from following along Lieutenant Commander Willink. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Demitrius J. Williams). Monsoor was severely wounded and although evacuated immediately, he died 30 minutes later. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, 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. JN-052022-5602908. All rights reserved. 1. Palatial properties along the Intracoastal Waterway, the St. Johns and the Beaches dominated the list of . The 610-foot, 15,000-ton ship, built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works for the U.S. Navy, was named for Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor. 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. Michael fought and fought and fought, even since he was little, to beat his ailment. You tell the story of Michael improving himself and getting through BUD/S. Legal Statement. Not everyone has made a comprehensive story yet, so the sacrifice lives on I think in the sense of these guys and his parents. [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. 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. President Bush on Tuesday said, "The Medal of Honor is America's highest decoration for military valor. Michael Monsoor was part of a dedicated team fighting the insurgency in Iraq, supporting the U.S. in its efforts to bring peace and stability to that country. He was the ultimate teammate. 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 (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart/Released). These men who are in the field with the Warriors give great counsel, and great solace. The Navy on Saturday christened the guided missile destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001), named in honor of a Navy SEAL who was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism in Iraq. The Mountain Warfare Training Facility Camp Michael Monsoor is located 50 miles east of San Diego, near the city of Campo. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart/Released). The grenade hit him in the chest and bounced onto the deck. There were so many situations of people who are so moved by his act of charity that they too want to make an act of charity. Kirsten Wang. He was a member of the elite branch of the Navy called SEALS, which stands for SEa, Air and Land. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. ALTHOUGH ONLY HE COULD HAVE ESCAPED THE BLAST, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR CHOSE INSTEAD TO PROTECT HIS TEAMMATES. Kind of related to how that gift continues to ripple forward. The Moving Funeral of Petty Officer Mike Monsoor-Truth! SEAL's Name", Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training, jumped onto the grenade, covering it with his body, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, "Complications Grow for Muslims Serving in U.S. Military", "Sailor Killed in Iraq Awarded Medal of Honor", "A Fitting Tribute to a Slain Navy SEAL Gains Attention", "Medal of Honor for Navy Officer in Iraq", "President Bush Attends Medal of Honor Ceremony for Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor, U.S. Navy", "U.S. Navy Recipients of the Silver Medal for Actions Since September 11, 2001", "Monsoor Avenue, Krulak Way at new vets cemetery", "SECNAV Names New Zumwalt-Class Destroyer USS Michael Monsoor", "Department of the Navy Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Budget Estimates Justification of Estimates February 2018", "Dedication event for Monsoor Stadium set", "Garden Grove High School dedicates new stadium in honor of fallen war hero", "Navy SEAL who sacrificed life for team honored at school in Southern California", "Navy SEAL's sacrifice earns Medal of Honor", "Pentagon-sourced video clip of White House ceremony honoring Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Michael_A._Monsoor&oldid=1135657594, United States Navy personnel of the Iraq War, United States Navy Medal of Honor recipients, American military personnel killed in the Iraq War, Burials at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Iraq War recipients of the Medal of Honor, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with dead external links from January 2018, Articles with permanently dead external links, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 26 January 2023, at 01:00. Copyright 2018 by Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC and jumped onto the grenade, covering it with his body. A couple of other things that I think go to his character, which ultimately leads to him making the ultimate sacrifice, his commanding officer in Ramadi in the Spring of 2006 was Lieutenant Commander Jocko Willink. The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to. [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. How many times? Although only . You got a chance to talk to his Navy buddies before he became a SEAL and importantly after he became a SEAL and served in Iraq. Click to see a video showing the SEALs' tribute to Monsoor on YouTube. Ramadi had been a violent and intense area for a very strong and aggressive insurgency for some time. DDG 1001 TOP STORY. In the early morning, insurgents prepared to execute a coordinated attack by reconnoitering the area around the element's position. [5][6], Monsoor enlisted in the United States Navy on March 24, 2001, and attended Basic Training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois.