Ramadi at the time was the epicenter of the insurgency in Iraq, a city filled with peril. Requiescate in pace. Positioned near the only exit, with an MK 48 machine gun in hand, he was providing security for two SEAL snipers who lay in prone positions on either side of him. "He undoubtedly saved mine and the other SEALs'' lives, and we owe him." Although nothing can adequately prepare one for such a circumstance, Michael Monsoor seemed to be living a life which pointed to it. The name of Petty Officer Michael Anthony Monsoor will now be among them. By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty, Petty Officer Monsoor reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. 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. Unrelated, Chris Kyle operated on the far western side of the city in support of additional special warfare operations; he reportedly killed 84 insurgents. Introduction Michael Anthony Monsoor (05 April 1981 to 29 September 2006) was a United States Navy SEAL who was killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honour. He carried the extra 100 lbs, without complaint, in temperatures as high as 130 degrees. Monsoor had also been posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his actions May 9, 2006 in Ramadi, when he and another SEAL pulled a team member shot in the leg to safety while bullets pinged off the ground around them. Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes.com. Petty Officer 2nd Class Monsoor sacrificed his life to save his comrades by throwing himself on top of a grenade that Iraqi insurgents tossed into their sniper hideout. 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. He then finishes his speech with the words he imagines Michael saying to him. It is heart breaking to hear that, he is gone. At point-blank range, it couldn't miss. Try again later. 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. I know the importance of family because there is nothing more important to me, than my family. The enemy continued to assault the element, engaging them with a rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire. 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 may request to transfer up to 250,000 memorials managed by Find a Grave. 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. Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which was presented by President George W. Bush to Monsoor's parents on April 8, 2008. It represents the three aspects of SEAL special operations, sea, air, and land. 0 cemeteries found in San Diego, San Diego County, California, USA. Please try again later. A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, May 3rd 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home (11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20904). Kyle wrote in his 2012 book, "American Sniper," that he punched out a celebrity while mourning the death of Navy SEAL and future Medal of Honor recipient, Master at Arms 2nd Class Michael Monsoor. 1:09 EVERETT One of the Navy's newest destroyers paid a visit to Puget Sound this weekend. May the Lord comfort you. He was gifted at everything he did, hard-working, funny, and selfless. Vast swaths of Ukraine have been transformed into potential crime scenes. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Michael Monsoor (15971597)? [5][6], A grenade was thrown onto the rooftop by an insurgent on the street below. He was a member of the elite branch of the Navy called SEALS, which stands for SEa, Air and Land. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart/Released). As a communicator and machine-gunner on patrols, Monsoor carried 100 pounds (45kg) of gear in temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees. 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. based on information from your browser. USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001) will be commissioned into Navy service. Shortly thereafter, an enemy fighter shot a rocket-propelled grenade at his building. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/15971597/michael-anthony-monsoor. 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. 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. 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. It is a city devastated by war. He then maintained suppressive fire while the wounded SEAL received tactical casualty treatment. At his Oct. 12 funeral, as the e-mail states, Navy SEALs took their trident pins and pounded them . 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. by Norman Fulkerson May 22, 2008. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Over the next five months, Monsoor and his platoon frequently engaged in combat with insurgent forces. Paul Hamilton is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. Legal Statement. All rights reserved. GREAT NEWS! Monsoor died on Sept. 29, 2006, and was buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. Search above to list available cemeteries. Many of my brothers have fallen. 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.. Like most fighting ships, its namesake will be woven into . Mike and his fellow SEALs accounted for 84 enemy fighters killed in action and the detainment of numerous insurgents. Michael Anthony Monsoor (April 5, 1981 September 29, 2006) was a United States Navy SEAL who was killed during the Invasion of Iraq and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. All rights reserved. In the first phase of training, he broke his heel. He described in detail a photo of Michael released shortly after his death. 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. ELEMENT SNIPERS THWARTED THE ENEMYS INITIAL ATTEMPT BY ELIMINATING TWO INSURGENTS. He was the ultimate teammate. Monsoor died about 30 minutes later from wounds caused by the grenade explosion. Such an amazing man! Naval Sea Cadet Corps unit named the "Michael A. Monsoor Battalion" based in Camp Pendleton, California. Try again later. If not then rest assured that these fine men and women of our military will continue to serve and protect. 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. 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. Monsoor, a 25-year-old gunner, was killed in the explosion in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. 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. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? As a heavy-weapons machine gunner, his position while patrolling the streets of Ramadi with Delta Company was right behind the point man. 1. For these actions, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Forrest Vosler, Biden Awards 3 Soldiers Medals of Honor for Valor, The Erwin Brothers Share Their Grandfather's WWII Medal of Honor Story and Talk About Their Movie "American Underdog. MEDAL OF HONORMA2 US NAVYAFGHANISTAN IRAQNo Regrets, Your Scrapbook is currently empty. 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. ", Army Ranger Legend Ralph Puckett Receives Medal of Honor, World War II Hero Charles Coolidge Receives Medal of Honor in 1945, Crews Work to Save WWII Ship Taking on Water, See the Final 'Top Gun: Maverick' Trailer, War Crimes Watch: She's Working to Make Putin Pay, Sniper Videos, Sniper Rifles, Sniper Kills: The Best of the Best. As we trained and prepared to deploy to Iraq, everyone learned that Mike was an incredible person. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? 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. 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. I thought you might like to see a memorial for MA2 Michael Anthony Monsoor I found on Findagrave.com. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. . Instead, Monsoor chose to protect his comrades by the sacrifice of his own life. Try again later. Since the media wont make this news, I choose to make it news by forwarding it onto you guys. With the only exit door at his back, a live grenade at his feet and two Navy Seals in front of him he was faced with the hardest decision of his life. Element snipers thwarted the enemy's initial attempt by eliminating two insurgents. Together, we live in dust and dirt and filth. 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. He then reentered a grueling SEAL program where only 23% pass, graduated at the top in the class of 2005 and was assigned to Delta Platoon. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. On January 26th, 2019, the Zumwalt class destroyer. His father George and older brother Jim had both been proud Marines. Check out Military.com's original video series today. On March 31, 2008, the United States Department of Defense confirmed that Monsoor would posthumously receive the Medal of Honor. Learn more about merges. Perry, Tony, "Destroyer To Bear O.C. An insurgent closed in and threw a fragmentation grenade into the overwatch position. One of the survivors described how Mikey looked death in the face that day and said, You cannot take my brothers, I will go in their stead.5, He never took his eye off the grenade, his only movement was down and toward it, said a 28-year-old lieutenant who lived to tell the story. MA2 Michael Monsoor Memorial Ceremony 307 views Feb 10, 2020 4 Dislike Share Save Lindsey J 37 subscribers Naval Technical Training Center Lackland honors fallen SEAL MA2 Michael Monsoor in. Your parents and family are also remembered, as they too have borne the pain of your absence. A warship that proudly bears his name. Joan was born in Port Chester, New York on June 9, 1942 to the late John Edward . Monsoor died approximately 30 minutes later from wounds sustained from the blast. Surely there is a special place in God's realm for him. 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.". Once again he and death would meet and once again he put others first. 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. Thank-you again for Michael's service and your sacrifice. It was one of those rare moments when life passes before your eyes. 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. [21][22][23], Michael Monsoor is mentioned in the book of Rorke Denver "Damn Few: Making the Modern SEAL Warrior". Petty Officer Monsoor's actions could not have been more selfless or clearly intentional. I enlisted because of people like him, because of people who are willing to fight and die for their fellow man. The grenade detonated as he came down on top of it, mortally wounding him. 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. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. May you always rest in peace knowing that we remember you and your sacrifice. April 1, 2008 12 AM PT. 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. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial . He also helped load his wounded teammate into a High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle for evacuation, then returned to combat. After loading his wounded teammate onto an evacuation vehicle, he returned to the battle. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. As I look at this picture, I hear a voice in a humble but confident tone. 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. Obituary. Monsoor quickly smothered the grenade with his body, absorbing the resulting explosion and saving his comrades from serious injury or death. WHILE THE SEALS VIGILANTLY WATCHED FOR ENEMY ACTIVITY, AN INSURGENT THREW A HAND GRENADE FROM AN UNSEEN LOCATION, WHICH BOUNCED OFF PETTY OFFICER MONSOORS CHEST AND LANDED IN FRONT OF HIM. THE ENEMY CONTINUED TO ASSAULT THE ELEMENT, ENGAGING THEM WITH A ROCKET-PROPELLED GRENADE AND SMALL ARMS FIRE. Because there is nothing more important to me than my family. Praying for the loved ones of the fallen this weekend especially. Instead, he dropped onto the grenade to shield the others from the blast. When an insurgent's . Over the years, many who have received the medal have given their lives in the action that earned it. I am so proud to be a part of this Band of Brothers. The Zumwalt class stealth destroyer USS Michael Monsoor spotted leaving San Diego on April 20, 2021, with a large satellite communications dome on its rear flight deck., @cjr1321 via @Warshipcam . Mike was one of the bravest men on the battlefield, never allowing the enemy to discourage him. After further training This account has been disabled. He will receive the award for his actions in Ar. Two other SEALs next to him at the time were injured by the explosion but survived. Delta Platoon executed a broad spectrum of combat operations in and around Ramadi. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. Moments later a fragmentation grenade bounced off his chest and landed on the ground. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. He is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. Paul Anthony Halladay, his platoon chaplain, was with Michael as he passed away approximately 30 minutes later. [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. [1] He enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001 and graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training BUD/S class 250 in 2004. Try again. Thank-you for Michael's service & his and your sacrifices. On September 29, 2006, Ramadi, Iraq was considered the most dangerous city on planet earth for American servicemen. Please reset your password. USSMichael Monsoor (DDG-1001), the second ship in the Zumwalt class of guided missile destroyers, was also named in his honor. The video, however, shows that the casket was stationary, and the SEALs placed the pins on the casket, then pounded them into the wood. Get the recap of top opinion commentary and original content throughout the week. Monsoor died on Sept. 29, 2006, and was buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. There is a problem with your email/password. But fear is no match for my Faith. 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. Iraq War Medal of Honor Recipient. Delta Platoon was sent to Iraq in April 2006 and assigned to train Iraqi Army soldiers in Ramadi. 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. As we approach the Anniversary of Mikey's sacrifice, I want to tell you about this man. As shown at the end of the tribute video linked below, during Monsoor's funeral service, as the casket was taken from the hearse to the gravesite, fellow SEALs lined up in two columns to slap and embed the gold Tridents (a pin, pictured above, awarded for successful completion of SEAL Qualification Training) from their uniforms onto the top of Monsoor's coffin: (We believe the photograph of the coffin displayed above was actually taken at the funeral of fellow SEAL James Suh, who gave his life in Afghanistan on 28 June 2005. He had been near the only exit to the rooftop when the grenade hit him in the chest and bounced to the floor. He remained fearless while facing constant danger, and through his selfless nature and aggressive actions, saved the lives of coalition soldiers and his fellow SEALs. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. We have set your language to Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. He was also posthumously given the Silver Star for helping carry a wounded team member to safety during an attack, Snopes.com reported.
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