He chose them.. And Jesse Ventura was in thereI was at the other end of the bar, but he said something kind of derogatory toward us losing guys or whatever and . The first, USS Zumwalt, is named after Elmo R. Zumwalt Jr., chief of naval operations from 1970 to 1974. The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to. This voice says to me: I am patrolling through the streets of Ramadi. Monsoor's position made him the only SEAL on the rooftop with quick access to an escape route. [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. [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. Bullet holes cover the rubbled buildings. Then you read about these guys in the story when Michael was in Italy and he was in this waiting pattern to go back to get a second chance. Again, a great story about a terrific young man who made the ultimate sacrifice for his mates - a selfless act. As we bridge this, Father Halladay, Michael's faith, and the family's faith. He was there to offer him whatever assistance Michael needed. 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. 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. Fausone: And he gave them a gift, just like he gave a lot of people who have heard the story this gift. He took a lot on and it says a lot about his character. 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. The 610-foot, 15,000 ton USS Michael Monsoor is the U.S. Navy's second Zumwalt-class guided missile destroyer and named after fallen Navy SEAL. [3] His father is of Lebanese and Irish descent, and his mother has Irish ancestry. I've met him and interviewed him and now I get it. When I started reading the memorials at the back of the book, I could feel how meaningful different memorials would have been to Michael. 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. Delta Platoon was sent to . They divided into two groups of four and they were providing bounding sniper overwatch for their Brothers in Arms. Fausone: Again, it's one of those things that demonstrates his character. 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. Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor patrols the streets of Iraq while deployed in 2006. Surely there is a special place in God's realm for him. The ship honors Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who was posthumously awarded the Medal of . Just like Marine Corps Sgt Rafael Peralta before him he jumped on a grenade to save the lives of the other Navy Seals in his snipers nest:. Exploit isn't the right word - that happens right? Not out of any sort of reason other than just letting us be. The four had been working with Iraqi soldiers providing sniper security while U.S. and Iraqi forces conducted missions in the area. Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which was presented by President George W. Bush to Monsoor's parents on April 8, 2008. 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. Thank-you for Michael's service & his and your sacrifices. His sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. 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. "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. Brave men died or were wounded every day. The hardened enemy was bent on destruction; they fought with ruthlessness, constantly on the attack with machine guns, mortars, grenades, and IEDs. Lord, protect my brothers above all else. Kind of related to how that gift continues to ripple forward. Michael the Archangel by Guido Reni, Santa Maria della Concezione, Rome, 1636. As enemy activity increased, Petty Officer Monsoor took position with his machine gun between two teammates on an outcropping of the roof. 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. 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. Fausone: I think again, another very important part because of a mother's concern and pain you sort of mention. He is survived by his mother Sally, his father George, his sister Sara, and his two brothers James and Joseph. The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest before falling to the ground. Exactly with that weapon, he was providing cover fire. Michael Monsoor is a hero for all the world to know about and appreciate. Get email updates about Michael A. Monsoor delivered directly to your inbox. 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. A brotherhood bound by sweat and blood and tears. Ramadi at the time was the epicenter of the insurgency in Iraq, a city filled with peril. He's heading into his 20th year of service this summer. During the service, as Monsoor's coffin was taken from the hearse to the gravesite, Navy SEALs lined up in two columns. 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. Navy Narrative: "On 29 September (2006), Monsoor was part of a sniper overwatch security position in eastern Ramadi, Iraq, with three other SEALs and eight Iraqi soldiers. Navy Narrative:On 29 September (2006), Monsoor was part of a sniper overwatch security position in eastern Ramadi, Iraq, with three other SEALs and eight Iraqi soldiers. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. 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. 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. Two SEALs next to Monsoor were injured; another who was 10 to 15 feet from the blast was unhurt. Clyde B. Jones Funeral Home and Versus Legal Attorneys-at-Law specially invite you to attend. Two other SEALs next to him at the time were injured by the explosion but survived. 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. All of the rest of the men, three SEALs, and the Iraqi interpreters, survived because of what Michael did for them willingly. Michael, being the man that he was, was aware of everything going on around him. JN-052022-5602908. His valorous conduct, exemplary leadership, and extraordinary self-sacrifice for his fellow service members have earned him the highest respect and gratitude of his fellow SEALs, the Navy, and our nation. And then, as you know, at the end of the book who says that powerful prayer at the end, who's able to be there and the huge commissioning of bringing his ship to life but Father Paul Halladay. 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. And in this shipand in its crewMikeys spirit will live on. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. 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. Rea: It did after and he was able to say that to them when they met him after he had passed away. Ramadi had been a violent and intense area for a very strong and aggressive insurgency for some time. Rea: It did after and he was able to say that to them when they met him after he had passed away. The overwatch couldnt tell where the RPG came from and didnt return fire., Read Michael Monsoors Summary of Action for September 29th, 2006. Petty Officer Second Class Michael Anthony Monsoor was born April 5, 1981 in Long Beach, Calif. Michael . Rea: It's so true. Because there is nothing more important to me than my family. 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 . Michael fought and fought and fought, even since he was little, to beat his ailment. 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. ELEMENT SNIPERS THWARTED THE ENEMY'S INITIAL ATTEMPT BY ELIMINATING TWO INSURGENTS. The new destroyer is named for Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his . The ship honors Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who . [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. Portrait of Medal of Honor recipient Michael Monsoor. I want to point out, it also happens to be Saint Michael the Archangels Feast Day. He will receive the award for his actions in Ar Ramadi, Iraq on Sept. 29, 2006. Monsoor, a 25-year-old gunner, was killed in the explosion in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. Home Haller Motorworx & Farm Equipment Magazine, AR 479 969-6464. Fausone: One of the things you talk about is as Michael was going through and became a SEAL, he wanted to go on to sniper school. 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. Around midday, the exterior of the building was struck by a single rocket propelled grenade (RPG), but no injuries to any of the overwatch personnel were sustained. BECOMING COUSTEAU Liz Garbus, Dan Cogan; COW Andrea Arnold, Kat Mansoor; FLEE Jonas Poher Rasmussen. Camp Morena. Monsoors body shielded the others from the brunt of the fragmentation blast and two other SEALs were only wounded by the remaining blast.. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. On September 29, 2006, Michael Monsoor and three SEAL snipers watched vigilantly for enemy activity from a rooftop post in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. He was only the second SEAL to die in Iraq since the war began. Monsoor, a 25-year-old gunner, was killed in the explosion in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. I am Michael Monsoor. He really wanted to protect them. Each time I read of Michael's sacrifice I'm so amazed & heartbroken. President Bush presents the Medal of Honor to Sally and George Monsoor, parents of Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, during an East Room ceremony on Tuesday. Twenty Gold Star families and four Medal of Honor recipients witnessed the second Zumwalt-class destroyer enter the fleet. At his Oct. 12 funeral, as the e-mail states, Navy SEALs took their trident pins and pounded them . The trapezoidal-shaped USS Michael Monsoor came to Naval Station Everett on Friday, where the ship . When a grenade thrown by insurgents bounced off Michael's chest, he could have escaped. Figure out what you need to do to get better and get through that challenge. 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. Over the next five months, Monsoor and his platoon frequently engaged in combat with insurgent forces. Faced with the choice to save his comrades or save himself, Monsoor threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the impact. Rea: I know. A very uneventful day at first, Jim. "We were at a SEAL bar in San Diego called McP's, and we were having a wake for one of our guys that just died, I believe it was Michael Monsoor. Ahead of the ceremony, Master-At-Arms 2nd Cl. Can you talk to us a little bit about learning that part of the story, which I suspect his parents knew nothing about when he was over in Iraq? Margaret Louise Monsoor, our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away in her sleep on August 8, 2021. They made him an honorary Chief because if he was alive, he still would have been. Monsoor died about 30 minutes later from wounds caused by the grenade explosion. 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. They weren't Navy SEALs. He lived for 30 minutes longer, they were providing aid as fast as they could. Michael Monsoor, a Navy Seal, sacrificed his life for his buddies on Sept 29th. He aggressively stabilized each chaotic situation with focused determination and uncanny tactical awareness. 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. Sally recently passed away, and they were married for 49 years, so that is very heartbreaking. Close. 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 met Mike Monsoor when he checked into SEAL Team Three as a new, highly-motivated young frogman. 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 . In the following transcript, Veterans Radio host Jim Fausone talks with Rose about Michael, his family, his faith, and his sacrifice. Monsoor was engaged in a firefight in Ramadi when, according to the military report, he and another SEAL pulled a team member shot in the leg to safety while bullets pinged off the ground around them., On 29 September (2006), Monsoor was part of a sniper overwatch security position in eastern Ramadi, Iraq, with three other SEALs and eight Iraqi soldiers. Rea: So, so powerful. Rea: Yes. I mean, you can imagine Michael who gave everything he had to have to hang up and quit and ring that bell and be viewed by all of his classmates as a quitter. The Michael Monsoor, a Zumwalt-class destroyer, is docked in the San Diego Harbor at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado Island, Calif. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 10 Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. He had this unbreakable little will at such a young age and it was so inspiring. Live Well Plan Well Rest Well A half day breakfast seminar on Saturday March 18th, 2023, at the . After BUD/S, he completed advanced SEAL training courses including parachute training at Basic Airborne School, Fort Benning, Ga., cold weather combat training in Kodiak, Alaska, and six months of SEAL Qualification Training in Coronado, graduating in March 2005. People need to know what he gave for his country, what he gave up willingly and so that started everything. Although only . 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. His sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. I feel like it was about a hundred pounds extra the guys were telling me from bullets from his SAW Gun, which you probably could go into more specifics about, but I meant it was a huge automatic weapon. He has an older brother James and older sister Sara, and a younger brother Joseph. Fausone: Well sometimes this arc is just perfect, and I think that was a good example of it. Instantly and without regard for his own . I have looked at this picture over and over again and it speaks to me. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. But he didn't give up, he quit but he didn't give up. Tell us about finding those guys and in some measure pulling the stories out to make "Defend Us in Battle.". It's really a selfless sacrifice and you end up giving this gift to those who are spared. I miss my mother, my father, my sister, and my brothers. The trident is a U.S. Navy special warfare badge worn by SEALs. But George got to talk to Michael and tell him, "Hey, don't be a hero" and Michael responded, "I have no regrets." This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Instead, he threw himself onto the live grenade, shielding his fellow soldiers from the immediate explosion. 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. 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. [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. MICHAEL A. MONSOOR From there, God willing, I had the connections because I was a SEAL wife and I was able to reach out to Naval Special Warfare and they put me in touch with Michael's parents. On September 29, 2006, an insurgent threw a grenade onto a rooftop where Monsoor and several other SEALs and Iraqi soldiers were positioned. 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. After further training he was assigned to Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3. On 11 different operations, Petty Officer Monsoor exposed himself to heavy enemy fire while shielding his teammates with suppressive fire. Additionally, a nearby mosque called insurgents to arms to fight Coalition Forces. President's 13 Year Old Daughter Spent Spring Break in Mexico-Truth. 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. Unrelated, Chris Kyle operated on the far western side of the city in support of additional special warfare operations; he reportedly killed 84 insurgents. 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. 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. The following month, his rating changed from Quartermaster to Master-at-Arms, and he was assigned to Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3.[3][7]. Instead, I smile at the Iraqi children when we pass them by. This gun is nicknamed "The Pig" because of its squealing sound and because there's so much force when they're shooting it. Kirsten Wang. When we encounter Iraqi families, I treat them with respect and dignity. He said he died in the state of grace and for what Catholics believe, with the sacraments and what else. 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. The guys talk about the weight you carry, the extra weight. Your act and demonstrated honor is a high standard for all of us. He has a grateful nation forever in his debt! And I'm like, who is this? Collectively it weighed more than 100 pounds. Give us a little bit about how George is thinking about this, how the rest of the family is thinking about this? The Navy has its own traditions. 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. Instead, knowing what the outcome would be, he fell on the grenade to save the others from harm. And then he had communications equipment. I think George will fight for his son and stand up for his memory his whole life. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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 . Monsoor was born April 5, 1981, in Long Beach, California, the third of four children of Sally Ann (Boyle) and George Paul Monsoor. Taking Offense Religion, Art, and Visual Culture in Plural Configurations I've done a lot of projects. The grenade exploded seconds later and Monsoor's body absorbed most of the force of the blast. [2] His father also served in the United States military as a Marine. Home Haller Motorworx & Farm Equipment Magazine, AR 479 969-6464 George's son, Michael, is a recipient of the Medal of Honor and we're going to tell Michael's story. He was a boy. He was gifted at everything he did, hard-working, funny, and selfless. [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. Death is everywhere. 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 . 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. Michael Anthony Monsoor (April 5, 1981 September 29, 2006) was a United States Navy SEAL who was killed during Invasion of Iraq and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. But we fight onfor the men to our left and rightwe fight on. 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. LATEST NEWS The 40th Annual San Francisco Fleet Week Begins. [21][22][23], Michael Monsoor is mentioned in the book of Rorke Denver "Damn Few: Making the Modern SEAL Warrior".[24]. Fausone: Go ahead and set us up for what happened on September 29, 2006 when Michael and three other snipers were there. Requiescate in pace. Ramadi had been a violent and intense area for a very strong . An incredible athlete, Mike enjoyed snowboarding, body boarding, spear fishing, motorcycle riding, and driving his Corvette. US Navy Medal of Honor recipient (19812006), Mountain Warfare Training Camp Michael Monsoor, Garden Grove High School Memorial Stadium. Imperial Beach Outlying Landing Field. Michael Anthony Monsoor (April 5, 1981 - September 29, 2006) was a United States Navy SEAL who was killed during the Iraq War and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest and fell onto the floor. Rea:Right. This was a fitting send-off for a warrior hero. I mean this really is a story about Brotherhood and father/son. 29, 2006, when he was killed . All rights reserved. It is my honor to make it for him." On January 26, 2019, the U.S. Navy commissioned a ship named the USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001). In September 2006, Michael laid down his life for his brothers in arms. [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. From the US Navy: Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael Anthony Monsoor. [16], In 2011, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs honored Monsoor by naming one of the first three named streets at Miramar National Cemetery after 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. But I know that, he died doing something he loved. Like many kids, he wanted to test himself and be the best he could in service and made his way through BUD/S and became a Navy SEAL in March 2005. May the Lord continue to comfort you. The new guys still can do some fun things, but for him to step into this role and provide such wonderful, tactical awareness and to do his job so well, it was just a huge, huge testament to him throwing himself in and giving his all. When we're able to read about someone that we would aspire to be or someone who's done something really incredible it is just inspiring. I thought that was just so powerful. Rest in peace, Michael Monsoor. Michael Monsoor was there in the midst of it all. Michael Monsoor is a hero for all the world to know about and appreciate. Michael definitely inspired him in that, Michael was a SEAL first. . Fausone: I think that's one of the lessons, right? A 28-year-old Lieutenant, who sustained shrapnel wounds to both legs that day, said the following in crediting Monsoor with saving his life: He never took his eye off the grenade his only movement was down toward it.