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. He continued to provide effective suppressive fire while simultaneously dragging the wounded SEAL to safety. Obituary. Your membership is the foundation of our sustainability and resilience. Instead, Monsoor chose to protect his comrades by the sacrifice of his own life. On September 29, 2006, Ramadi, Iraq was considered the most dangerous city on planet earth for American servicemen. He was medically rolled back and sent to Italy for a year where he spent the majority of his off time doing physical training. Try again later. Named for a Medal of Honor recipient and Navy SEAL, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) will be commissioned Jan. 25. [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. As a heavy-weapons machine gunner, his position while patrolling the streets of Ramadi with Delta Company was right behind the point man. 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. And just as Mikey Monsoor did, the USS Michael Monsoor will go forward, willingly into harms wayand will stand tall without hesitation or regrets and face down evil and malevolence, saying boldly to the world: I WILL DEFEND. I am Michael Monsoor I miss my family. After further training he was assigned to Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. A system error has occurred. Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California, USA. The hardened enemy was bent on destruction; they fought with ruthlessness, constantly on the attack with machine guns, mortars, grenades, and IEDs. Wasp is underway conducting basic phase inspections and assessments. As enemy activity increased, Petty Officer Monsoor took position with his machine gun between two teammates on an outcropping of the roof. ), As President George W. Bush said of the event during the April 2008 Medal of Honor ceremony, "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.". cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. An official website of the United States government, VA Vet Center (Supports vets, service members, and their families), Bush Confers Highest Military Decoration on Fallen Navy SEAL, Navy SEAL to Receive Medal of Honor Posthumously, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. The unit symbol is composed of Petty Officer Monsoor's Medal of Honor, SEAL Trident, and Master-at-Arms shield. October 14, 2019 | Fort Sam Houston, TX. The grenade exploded seconds later and Monsoor's body absorbed most of the force of the blast. Immediately, Monsoor yelled "Grenade!" and jumped onto the grenade, covering it with his body. 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart/Released). Instead, he dropped onto the grenade to shield the others from the blast. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. Home > Fighting the Culture War > No Greater Love. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. I enlisted because of people like him, because of people who are willing to fight and die for their fellow man. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. He had been near the only exit to the rooftop when the grenade hit him in the chest and bounced to the floor. His sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. [21][22][23], Michael Monsoor is mentioned in the book of Rorke Denver "Damn Few: Making the Modern SEAL Warrior". 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.. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. [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. On September 29, 2006, an insurgent threw a grenade onto a rooftop where Monsoor and several other SEALs and Iraqi soldiers were positioned. A fellow Navy Seal who knew and trained with Monsoor told TruthorFiction.com that he had already earned a Silver Star for Bravery and a Bronze Star for separate acts of valor. In the Ma'laab district, Michael perfected his skills as an urban machine gunner. Unrelated, Chris Kyle operated on the far western side of the city in support of additional special warfare operations; he reportedly killed 84 insurgents. 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. ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 25, 2023) Sailors aim 9 mm pistols at targets during a weapons qualification course aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), April 25, 2023. The trapezoidal-shaped USS Michael Monsoor came to Naval Station Everett on Friday, where the ship. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. If you are proud too, please pass this on. He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. 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. The citation accompanying the medal describes how he exposed himself to heavy enemy fire while shielding his teammates with suppressive fire. The Early Years. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. Because of Petty Officer Monsoor's actions, he saved the lives of his 3 teammates and the IA soldiers. Some of details in the email are inaccurate.Petty Officer Second Class Mike Monsoor was a US Navy SEAL assigned to Task Unit Bravo in Ar Ramadi in Iraq. 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. Immediately, Petty Officer Monsoor, with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to heavy enemy fire in order to provide suppressive fire and fight his way to the wounded SEAL's position. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. The picture shows Michael walking at the head of his platoon, through the war-torn streets of Ramadi. Michael Monsoor is a hero for all the world to know about and appreciate. Petty Officer Monsoor's actions could not have been more selfless or clearly intentional. 1995 - 2023 by Snopes Media Group Inc. 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. Family members linked to this person will appear here. Commander John Willink during an evening ceremony at the Navy Memorial honoring the fallen hero.8. It was an appropriate end for a Catholic soldier who, according to many reports, was a practicing Catholic. Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes.com. Iraq War Medal of Honor Recipient. Joan was born in Port Chester, New York on June 9, 1942 to the late John Edward . PO2 (EOD2) Mike Monsoor, a Navy EOD Technician, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously for jumping on a grenade in Iraq, giving his life to save his fellow Seals. [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. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial . I want to make them smile and laugh but I am far from home. 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. I want to hold my nieces and nephews again. [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". But we are strong. As extraordinary as all of this is, it was merely a prelude to the defining moment of his life in the rooftop over-watch. Paul Hamilton is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area. . Immediately, Monsoor yelled "Grenade!" Michael Anthony Monsoor (5 April 1981 - 29 September 2006) was a U.S. Navy SEAL killed during the Iraq War. At his Oct. 12 funeral, as the e-mail states, Navy SEALs took their trident pins and pounded them . Monsoor died approximately 30 minutes later from wounds sustained from the blast. Heavy enemy automatic weapons fire resulted in a wounded SEAL who was left exposed to enemy fire. On that day, he was on a rooftop over-watch in . Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 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. 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. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. 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. During the Battle of Ramadi, SEAL Team Three was sent to Ramadi, Iraq in April 2006 and assigned to train Iraqi Army soldiers. Michael Monsoor is a hero for all the world to know about and appreciate. 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. 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. 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. 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. On January 26, 2019, the U.S. Navy commissioned a ship named the USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001). Fr. 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. From April to Sept. 29, 2006, Mike served as a heavy weapons machine gunner in Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Perry, Tony, "Destroyer To Bear O.C. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. 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. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Michael Monsoor (15971597)? Penned together, all five were easy prey for the grenade's deadly spray of shrapnel. [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. MASTER-AT-ARMS SECOND CLASS (SEA, AIR AND LAND) MICHAEL A. MONSOOR, MA2 MICHAEL A. MONSOOR, USN with sailors on his tour. Named for a Medal of Honor recipient and Navy SEAL, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) will be commissioned Jan. 25. It is heart breaking to hear that, he is gone. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. Monsoor's position made him the only SEAL on the rooftop with quick access to an escape route. He then finishes his speech with the words he imagines Michael saying to him. The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest and fell onto the floor. Upon graduation from basic training, he attended Master At Arms "A" School. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. hide-sight in time to escape harm. He displayed great personal courage and exceptional bravery while conducting operations in enemy held territory at Ar Ramadi Iraq. Our strength is our brotherhood. [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]. Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor received the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House April 8, 2008. 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. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Salvation Army . A burial will be held on Wednesday, May 3rd 2023 at the King David Memorial Gardens (7482 Lee Hwy, Falls Church, VA 22042). Michael Monsoor was there in the midst of it all. Instead, Monsoor chose to protect his comrades by the sacrifice of his own life. Search above to list available cemeteries. On January 26th, 2019, the Zumwalt class destroyer. Example: [Collected via e-mail, July 2008]. In April 2006 he was sent to Iraq on his first tour of duty. GREAT NEWS! Vast swaths of Ukraine have been transformed into potential crime scenes. 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. When we encounter Iraqi families I treat them with respect and dignity. 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. Monsoor, a 25-year-old gunner, was killed in the explosion in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. You may request to transfer up to 250,000 memorials managed by Find a Grave. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Margaret Monsoor (Sandy, Utah), born in Morgantown, West Virginia, who passed away at the age of 94, on August 8, 2021. It is a city devastated by war. As a communicator and machine-gunner on patrols, Monsoor carried 100 pounds (45kg) of gear in temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees. Additionally, a nearby mosque called insurgents to arms to fight Coalition Forces. I am Michael Monsoor and I have given everythingFor you!. I am patrolling the streets of Ramadi My eyes sting from the sweat, my gun and gear are heavy but these things do not bother me. He is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. 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. 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. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. An emotional Donald Winter quoted a passage from scripture already remembered by so many to describe Michael Monsoor. 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. 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. 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. 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. [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. On March 31, 2008, the United States Department of Defense confirmed that Monsoor would posthumously receive the Medal of Honor. As we approach the Anniversary of Mikey's sacrifice, I want to tell you about this man. The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to. 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. 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. The trident is a U.S. Navy special warfare badge worn by SEALs. The enemy continued to assault the element, engaging them with a rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire. His face is calm, almost smilingdespite the obvious chaos and danger around him. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Danian Douglas and Austin Rooney/Released). Through this ship: Michael Monsoor will still represent the very best our country has to offer. Michael Monsoor was immediately evacuated to a battalion aid station. He was a member of the elite branch of the Navy called SEALS, which stands for SEa, Air and Land. I and the other members of SEAL Team Three, Task Unit Bruiser, had the honor of participating in the commissioning ceremony. cemeteries found in San Diego, San Diego County, California, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Try again. Instead, Monsoor chose to protect his comrades by the sacrifice of his own life. To use this feature, use a newer browser. Times Staff Writer. May the Lord continue to comfort you. 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. Plans were already made for him to see his younger brother play in a football game for North Dakotas Minot State University.4. Mike was also a SEAL communicator. He was 25-year-old Michael Monsoor.
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