He flung himself onto the . Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. He was 25. 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. I am so proud to be a part of this Band of Brothers. Claim: Account describes Navy SEALs' funereal tribute to Medal of Honor recipient Mike Monsoor. His life and unfortunate death are inspiring. A mass of christian burial will be held on Thursday, May 4th 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the St. John the Beloved Catholic Church (6420 Linway Terrace, McLean, VA 22101). That picture says so much. On May 9, 2006 Mike rescued a SEAL who was shot in the leg. 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. 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. 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. October 14, 2019 | Fort Sam Houston, TX. 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.". 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. [3] His father is of Lebanese and Irish descent, and his mother has Irish ancestry. An insurgent closed in and threw a fragmentation grenade into the overwatch position. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. Monsoor was awarded the Silver Star for this action,[5][8] and was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Iraq. When Mike died, a picture of him circulated the news. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. 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. [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. 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. Weve updated the security on the site. On Saint Michael's Day, September 29, 2006, Michael Monsoor would make the ultimate sacrifice. Positioned next to the single exit, Monsoor was the only one who could have escaped harm. He was a member of the elite branch of the Navy called SEALS, which stands for SEa, Air and Land. 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. On that day, he was on a rooftop over-watch in . 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. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. Over the next five months, Monsoor and his platoon frequently engaged in combat with insurgent forces. If not then rest assured that these fine men and women of our military will continue to serve and protect. 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. For this brave action, he earned a Silver Star. He is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. As enemy activity increased, Petty Officer Monsoor took position with his machine gun between two teammates on an outcropping of the roof. The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to. and jumped onto the grenade, covering it with his body. The unit symbol is composed of Petty Officer Monsoor's Medal of Honor, SEAL Trident, and Master-at-Arms shield. The enemy could not deter Michael and his SEAL platoon. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. [1] He enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001 and graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training BUD/S class 250 in 2004. Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which was presented by President George W. Bush to Monsoor's parents on April 8, 2008. On 15 operations, he carried a rucksack full of communications equipment in addition to his machinegun and full ammunition load-out. Instead, he dropped onto the grenade to shield the others from the blast. Thanks for your help! or redistributed. In the early afternoon, enemy fighters attacked his position with automatic weapons fire from a moving vehicle. [9], The display moved many attending the funeral, including President Bush, who spoke about the incident later during a speech stating: "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."[9]. 1:09 EVERETT One of the Navy's newest destroyers paid a visit to Puget Sound this weekend. Get the recap of top opinion commentary and original content throughout the week. After further training he was assigned to Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3. They patrolled bravely through the city streets engaging in firefights while on other occasions, they ambushed insurgent mortar teams near the banks of the Euphrates River. 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. SEAL snipers from his roof engaged two of them which resulted in one enemy wounded in action and one enemy killed in action. I thought you might like to see a memorial for MA2 Michael Anthony Monsoor I found on Findagrave.com. 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. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial . He was an adventuresome boy growing up in Southern California. They are shrouded in a greenish yellow mist used to mask their movements from the enemy. ALTHOUGH ONLY HE COULD HAVE ESCAPED THE BLAST, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR CHOSE INSTEAD TO PROTECT HIS TEAMMATES. Upon graduation from basic training, he attended Master At Arms "A" School. He aggressively stabilized each chaotic situation with focused determination and uncanny tactical awareness. The grenade detonated as he came down on top of it, mortally wounding him. Monsoor was severely wounded and although evacuated immediately, he died 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. . Amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), amphibious transport docks USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), expeditionary mobile base USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5), and Philippine navy ships BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PS 15), and BRP Tarlac (FF 601) transit the South China Sea for Balikatan 23, April 19, 2023. ", 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. 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. IN THE EARLY MORNING, INSURGENTS PREPARED TO EXECUTE A COORDINATED ATTACK BY RECONNOITERING THE AREA AROUND THE ELEMENT'S POSITION. His face is calm, almost smilingdespite the obvious chaos and danger around him. The men fighting alongside us in the streets are infantrymengrunts. Forrest Vosler received the Medal of Honor for saving the life of another airman despite his catastrophic President Joe Biden on Thursday presented the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award for valor in combat Jon and Andrew Erwin's grandfather Henry Eugene "Red" Erwin, Sr. was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his President Joe Biden presents the Medal of Honor to retired Army Col. Ralph Puckett Jr. for conspicuous gallantry during Charles H. Coolidge passed away April 6, 2021 at the age of 99. [5], 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 pallbearers' route, with the coffin moving up the center. I believe I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Mr. Monsoor there. UNITED STATES NAVY As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. Snopes.com is not refuting Monsoor's own pin tribute; it has rated the e-mail as true. 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 . I miss my mother, my father, my sister, and my brothers. Nimitz is in U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. [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. For service as set forth in the following CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Automatic Weapons Gunner for Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 29 September 2006. Our strength is our brotherhood. Your parents and family are also remembered, as they too have borne the pain of your absence. The enemy continued to assault the element, engaging them with a rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire. Instead, Monsoor chose to protect his comrades by the sacrifice of his own life. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. 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. Monsoor was born April 5, 1981, in Long Beach, California, the third of four children of Sally Ann (Boyle) and George Paul Monsoor. Mikes gun is at the ready. 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. The same photo is there. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Danian Douglas and Austin Rooney/Released). A burial will be held on Wednesday, May 3rd 2023 at the King David Memorial Gardens (7482 Lee Hwy, Falls Church, VA 22042). [19], There is a U.S. The grenade exploded seconds later and Monsoor's body absorbed most of the force of the blast. Additionally, a nearby mosque called insurgents to arms to fight Coalition Forces. President's 13 Year Old Daughter Spent Spring Break in Mexico-Truth. Named for a Medal of Honor recipient and Navy SEAL, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) will be commissioned Jan. 25. The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest and fell onto the floor. Rest in peace, Michael Monsoor. He was 25-year-old Michael Monsoor. 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. You may request to transfer up to 250,000 memorials managed by Find a Grave. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. His life and unfortunate death are . 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. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. 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. Petty Officer Monsoor's actions could not have been more selfless or clearly intentional. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. In May of 2006, during his first month in Iraq, his unit came under fire during counter-terrorist operations. 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 ran out into the street with another SEAL, shot cover fire and dragged his comrade to safety while enemy bullets kicked up the concrete at their feet. 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. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Michael Monsoor (15971597)? In April 2008, Monsoor was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions. Joan Elizabeth Brennan Donnelly, passed into the perpetual light on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in her home. 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. 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. He received the award for his actions in Ar Ramadi . All rights reserved. He carried the extra 100 lbs, without complaint, in temperatures as high as 130 degrees. When he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, a tearful President Bush reminded the audience that the day Michael Monsoor died was the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel. Monsoor died about 30 minutes later from wounds caused by the grenade explosion. Mike was one of the bravest men on the battlefield, never allowing the enemy to discourage him. For those of us who were there, that picture of Mike captures all of this. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. Example: [Collected via e-mail, July 2008]. With unflinching selflessness he gave his life so that others might live. In the early morning, insurgents prepared to execute a coordinated attack by reconnoitering the area around the element's position. In the picture, his brother SEALs are nearbybut Mikey is out front. I am Michael Monsoor, I love my country, my fellow SEALS and the men fighting along side us I have lived life to its fullest. Home > Fighting the Culture War > No Greater Love. Like most fighting ships, its namesake will be woven into . On the last day of his life, on a rooftop in Ramadi, Navy SEAL Michael A. Monsoor was assigned to protect three SEAL snipers. SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 21, 2023) Sailors move ordnance on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). I know the importance of family because there is nothing more important to me, than my family. The text of his citation reads: For service as set forth in the following. Mike and his platoon operated in a highly contested part of Ramadi city called the Ma'laab district. [24], Mountain Warfare Training Camp Michael Monsoor, Garden Grove High School Memorial Stadium. The slaps were reportedly heard across the. His leadership, guidance and decisive actions during 11 different combat operations saved the lives of his teammates, other Coalition Forces and Iraqi Army soldiers. 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. On that day, Monsoor was part of a sniper overwatch security position with three other SEALs and eight Iraqi Army (IA) soldiers. 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. 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. Paul Anthony Halladay, his platoon chaplain, was with Michael as he passed away approximately 30 minutes later. Ahead of the ceremony, Master-At-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoors teammates share his story of his courageous and selfless actions. And in this shipand in its crewMikeys spirit will live on. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. THE ENEMY CONTINUED TO ASSAULT THE ELEMENT, ENGAGING THEM WITH A ROCKET-PROPELLED GRENADE AND SMALL ARMS FIRE. In the first phase of training, he broke his heel. His selfless, decisive, heroic actions resulted in 25 enemy killed and saved the lives of his teammates, other Coalition Forces and Iraqi Army soldiers. Death is everywhere. Once again he and death would meet and once again he put others first. The grenade exploded seconds later and Monsoor's body absorbed most of the force of the blast. David Mikkelson founded the site now known as snopes.com back in 1994. He was a loyal friend and exceptional SEAL, and he is sorely missed by his brothers in Task Unit Bravo. 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. Monsoor quickly smothered the grenade with his body, absorbing the resulting explosion and saving his comrades from serious injury or death. 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. Two other SEALs next to him at the time were injured by the explosion but survived. Since the media wont make this news, I choose to make it news by forwarding it onto you guys. Monsoor died on Sept. 29, 2006, and was buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. [6], On September 29, 2006, Monsoor's platoon engaged four insurgents in a firefight in Ramadi, killing one and injuring another. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. [5], During an engagement on May 9, 2006, Monsoor ran into a street while under continuous insurgent gunfire to rescue an injured comrade. As gun fire chewed up the asphalt around him, Michael snatched the wounded soldier from the jaws of death with one arm, returned enemy fire with the other and then dragged him to safety. [5][6], A grenade was thrown onto the rooftop by an insurgent on the street below. Though well-acquainted with enemy tactics in Ar Ramadi, and keenly aware that the enemy would continue to attack, the SEALs remained on the battlefield in order to carry out the mission of guarding the western flank of the main effort. There is a problem with your email/password. Brave men died or were wounded every day. Wasp is underway conducting basic phase inspections and assessments. 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. Because of Petty Officer Monsoor's actions, he saved the lives of his 3 teammates and the IA soldiers," an account on his Congressional Medal of Honor Web site reports. A mutually supporting SEAL/IA position also killed an enemy fighter during the morning hours. He gave his life to protect comrades . 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. Petty Officer Monsoor maintained suppressive fire as the wounded SEAL received tactical casualty treatment to his leg. He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him. He described in detail a photo of Michael released shortly after his death. As Mike's coffin passed, each SEAL, having removed his gold Trident from his uniform, slapped it down embedding the Trident in the wooden coffin. He aggressively stabilized each chaotic situation with focused determination and uncanny tactical awareness. It was an appropriate end for a Catholic soldier who, according to many reports, was a practicing Catholic. Snopes.com, a nonpartisan well-respected Web site that confirms or debunks rumors and urban legends, did report that it is not clear whether the photo of the casket embedded with trident pins that accompanies the e-mail was taken at Monsoor's burial ceremony. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. Penned together, all five were easy prey for the grenade's deadly spray of shrapnel. But fear is no match for my Faith. The grenade hit him in the chest and bounced onto the deck. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. During combat patrols he walked behind the platoon point man with his Mk 48 machinegun so that he could protect his platoon from a frontal enemy attack. [18], A SEAL training facilitylocated about 50 miles (80km) east of San Diegowas renamed Mountain Warfare Training Camp Michael Monsoor.

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