[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. This material may not be reproduced without permission. "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. Because of Petty Officer Monsoor's actions, he saved the lives of his 3 teammates and the IA soldiers. 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. His fellow soldiers told how he frequently attended mass with devotion before his operations. For his heroism he was awarded the Bronze Star. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. After further training he was assigned to Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3. 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. Shortly thereafter, an enemy fighter shot a rocket-propelled grenade at his building. ELEMENT SNIPERS THWARTED THE ENEMY'S INITIAL ATTEMPT BY ELIMINATING TWO INSURGENTS. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. 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. The SEALs fired back and stood their ground. Instead, Monsoor chose to protect his comrades by the sacrifice of his own life. Death is everywhere. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. While moving toward extraction, the Iraqi Army and Naval Special Warfare overwatch team received effective enemy automatic weapons fire resulting in one SEAL wounded in action. 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. Petty Officer Monsoor entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, Calif., and subsequently graduated with Class 250 on Sept. 2, 2004 as one of the top performers in his class. In the picture, his brother SEALs are nearbybut Mikey is out front. Monsoor quickly smothered the grenade with his body, absorbing the resulting explosion and saving his comrades from serious injury or death. USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001) will be commissioned into Navy service. 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. 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. 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. He will receive the award for his actions in Ar. Snopes.com says it believes the photo was taken at the funeral of SEAL James Suh, killed in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005. The trapezoidal-shaped USS Michael Monsoor came to Naval Station Everett on Friday, where the ship. With unflinching selflessness he gave his life so that others might live. Immediately, Monsoor yelled "Grenade!" To use this feature, use a newer browser. 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. As I look at this picture, I hear a voice in a humble but confident tone. He is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. Monsoor's position made him the only SEAL on the rooftop with quick access to an escape route. Through this ship: Michael Monsoor will still represent the very best our country has to offer. Michael Monsoor was there in the midst of it all. 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 grenade hit Monsoor in the chest before falling to the ground. It was an appropriate end for a Catholic soldier who, according to many reports, was a practicing Catholic. 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. The e-mail was sent, it says, because the media won't make this news "and I am forwarding it because I am proud of our military and the men and women who serve in it." Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. One minute of prayer each night-Grass Roots Effort! EAST CHINA SEA (April 5, 2023) Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Erwinn Garrett, from Houston, signals an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the "Screamin' Indians" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6 during flight operations aboard the Arleigh Burke-class. Positioned next to the single exit, Monsoor was the only one who could have escaped harm. Search above to list available cemeteries. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/15971597/michael-anthony-monsoor. Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which was presented by President George W. Bush to Monsoor's parents on April 8, 2008. He later had an artist make a reproduction of the image in his dream depicting Michael Monsoor in dress blues with a loaded MK 48 Machine gun and silvery wings. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. From here we almost lose our breath as we follow the rapid upward trajectory his life would take. 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. Since the media wont make this news, I choose to make it news by forwarding it onto you guys. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. In May of 2006, during his first month in Iraq, his unit came under fire during counter-terrorist operations. It bounced off Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor's chest, then clattered on the deck. If you are proud too, please pass this on. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. This should be front-page news instead of the crap we see everyday. The Mountain Warfare Training Facility Camp Michael Monsoor is located 50 miles east of San Diego, near the city of Campo. Petty Officer Monsoor's actions could not have been more selfless or clearly intentional. Michael Monsoor is a hero for all the world to know about and appreciate. [14][15], For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as Task Unit Ramadi, Iraq, Combat Advisor for Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula in Support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from April to September 2006. The four had been working with Iraqi soldiers providing sniper security while U.S. and Iraqi forces conducted missions in the area. I love my country, my fellow SEALs, and the men fighting alongside us. This is a carousel with slides. On Saint Michael's Day, September 29, 2006, Michael Monsoor would make the ultimate sacrifice. ALTHOUGH ONLY HE COULD HAVE ESCAPED THE BLAST, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR CHOSE INSTEAD TO PROTECT HIS TEAMMATES. 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. Words seem insufficient to recognize him as the most honorable, decent, unselfish, brave man who gave his life to save others. [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". Black Vietnam Vet Finally Awarded Medal of Honor, The Bravery of Medal of Honor Recipient Tech Sgt. 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. There was a problem getting your location. The trident is a U.S. Navy special warfare badge worn by SEALs. Although nothing can adequately prepare one for such a circumstance, Michael Monsoor seemed to be living a life which pointed to it. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. Failed to delete memorial. 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 . IN THE EARLY MORNING, INSURGENTS PREPARED TO EXECUTE A COORDINATED ATTACK BY RECONNOITERING THE AREA AROUND THE ELEMENT'S POSITION. He was also a SEAL communicator which required him to carry a rucksack full of communications equipment in addition to his MK 48 machine gun full of ammunition. Iraq War Medal of Honor Recipient. Monsoor yelled, "Grenade!" and made a snap decision that would mark him for all time. He immediately leapt to his feet and yelled "grenade" to alert his teammates of impending danger, but they could not evacuate the sniper Learn more about merges. 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. Your membership is the foundation of our sustainability and resilience. Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California, USA. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial . 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. The unit symbol is composed of Petty Officer Monsoor's Medal of Honor, SEAL Trident, and Master-at-Arms shield. Though he carried himself in a calm and composed fashion, he constantly led the charge to bring the fight to the enemy. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. IN THE EARLY MORNING, INSURGENTS PREPARED TO EXECUTE A COORDINATED ATTACK BY RECONNOITERING THE AREA AROUND THE ELEMENTS POSITION. 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. Check out Military.com's original video series today. Get the recap of top opinion commentary and original content throughout the week. Particularly a Military Funeral, held at a Military Cemetary. He was born May 31, 1932. Moments later a fragmentation grenade bounced off his chest and landed on the ground. His life and unfortunate death are inspiring. "He undoubtedly saved mine and the other SEALs'' lives, and we owe him." Try again later. I believe I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Mr. Monsoor there. GREAT NEWS! As extraordinary as all of this is, it was merely a prelude to the defining moment of his life in the rooftop over-watch. Faith conquers all. AS ENEMY ACTIVITY INCREASED, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR TOOK POSITION WITH HIS MACHINE GUN BETWEEN TWO TEAMMATES ON AN OUTCROPPING OF THE ROOF. 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. 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. In the first phase of training, he broke his heel. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Salvation Army . Monsoor was protecting other SEALs, two of whom were 15 feet away from him. An emotional Donald Winter quoted a passage from scripture already remembered by so many to describe Michael Monsoor. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. 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. 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. Try again later. SEAL snipers from his roof engaged two of them which resulted in one enemy wounded in action and one enemy killed in action. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates.
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