There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. Praying for the loved ones of the fallen this weekend especially. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. ALTHOUGH ONLY HE COULD HAVE ESCAPED THE BLAST, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR CHOSE INSTEAD TO PROTECT HIS TEAMMATES. On September 29, 2006, Ramadi, Iraq was considered the most dangerous city on planet earth for American servicemen. The 1,063 acre site has a firing range, an administration building, and a dormitory. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. But we are strong. Many of my brothers have fallen. He will receive the award for his actions in Ar. 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. While I only had talked to Monsoor for a brief time in BUD/s, he was in the BUD/s class ahead of me in Class 250, he was a dedicated and stand-up guy. His life and unfortunate death are . 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. 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 Saint Michael's Day, September 29, 2006, Michael Monsoor would make the ultimate sacrifice. Example: [Collected via e-mail, July 2008]. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Try again later. 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. 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. He was located closest to the egress route out of the sniper hide-sight watching for enemy activity through a tactical periscope over the parapet wall. In the early afternoon, enemy fighters attacked his position with automatic weapons fire from a moving vehicle. 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. 1. He was medically rolled back and sent to Italy for a year where he spent the majority of his off time doing physical training. May the Lord continue to comfort you. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. The same photo is there. GREAT NEWS! 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. ELEMENT SNIPERS THWARTED THE ENEMYS INITIAL ATTEMPT BY ELIMINATING TWO INSURGENTS. Although nothing can adequately prepare one for such a circumstance, Michael Monsoor seemed to be living a life which pointed to it. 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. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Year should not be greater than current year. Most notably, the Army Infantry, Navy SEAL and Iraqi Army combined force helped to pacify the most violent city in Al Anbar province setting conditions for the Sunni Awakening. It represents the three aspects of SEAL special operations, sea, air, and land. 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. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. [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. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to. His face is calm, almost smilingdespite the obvious chaos and danger around him. In May of 2006, during his first month in Iraq, his unit came under fire during counter-terrorist operations. That picture says so much. To use this feature, use a newer browser. It was one of those rare moments when life passes before your eyes. Penned together, all five were easy prey for the grenade's deadly spray of shrapnel. 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. His sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. 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. He also helped load his wounded teammate into a High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle for evacuation, then returned to combat. [18], A SEAL training facilitylocated about 50 miles (80km) east of San Diegowas renamed Mountain Warfare Training Camp Michael Monsoor. 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). Oops, we were unable to send the email. Together, we live in dust and dirt and filth. It bounced off Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor's chest, then clattered on the deck. Michael Monsoor was there in the midst of it all. He also knew that he was two short weeks away from returning home to family and friends. 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. Each time I read of Michael's sacrifice I'm so amazed & heartbroken. Petty Officer Monsoor maintained suppressive fire as the wounded SEAL received tactical casualty treatment to his leg. He will safeguard our families, as he safeguarded his own family. ELEMENT SNIPERS THWARTED THE ENEMY'S INITIAL ATTEMPT BY ELIMINATING TWO INSURGENTS. Heavy enemy automatic weapons fire resulted in a wounded SEAL who was left exposed to enemy fire. Mike was one of the bravest men on the battlefield, never allowing the enemy to discourage him. 0 cemeteries found in San Diego, San Diego County, California, USA. Please enter your email and password to sign in. Wasp is underway conducting basic phase inspections and assessments. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. He was a member of the elite branch of the Navy called SEALS, which stands for SEa, Air and Land. IN THE EARLY MORNING, INSURGENTS PREPARED TO EXECUTE A COORDINATED ATTACK BY RECONNOITERING THE AREA AROUND THE ELEMENTS POSITION. The slaps were reportedly heard across the. 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. Having already endured so many hardships and numerous brushes with death no one would have faulted him had he chosen a path to safety. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. 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. I have not looked back. Michael Anthony Monsoor (5 April 1981 - 29 September 2006) was a U.S. Navy SEAL killed during the Iraq War. There was a problem getting your location. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. He described in detail a photo of Michael released shortly after his death. Snopes.com is not refuting Monsoor's own pin tribute; it has rated the e-mail as true. [19], There is a U.S. Vast swaths of Ukraine have been transformed into potential crime scenes. Your parents and family are also remembered, as they too have borne the pain of your absence. His life and unfortunate death are inspiring. 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. I am so proud to be a part of this Band of Brothers. The text of his citation reads: For service as set forth in the following. 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. He was killed in the line of duty while serving in Iraq on September 29, 2006.He died after throwing himself on a grenade to prevent it from killing others whom he had been assigned to protect on a rooftop. Watch on The Navy's newest Zumwalt-class destroyer, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), was commissioned Jan. 26 at Naval Air Station North Island, California. 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. He will inspire the crew, just as he inspired his teammates. I love my country, my fellow SEALs, and the men fighting alongside us. He aggressively stabilized each chaotic situation with focused determination and uncanny tactical awareness. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. They are shrouded in a greenish yellow mist used to mask their movements from the enemy. Legal Statement. [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. This material may not be reproduced without permission. Delta Platoon executed a broad spectrum of combat operations in and around Ramadi. 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. Two other SEALs next to him at the time were injured by the explosion but survived. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. This is what I said: Ladies and gentlemen. An insurgent closed in and threw a fragmentation grenade into the overwatch position. His funeral, attended (in the words of President Bush) by "nearly every SEAL on the West Coast," was held on 12 October 2006 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. 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 was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which was presented by President George W. Bush to Monsoor's parents on April 8, 2008. He aggressively stabilized each chaotic situation with focused determination and uncanny tactical awareness. 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 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. I want to hold my nieces and nephews again. Nimitz is in U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. 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. To me, they're worth dying for, because there's a bond between brothers, and that bond transcends blood. 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. Ahead of the ceremony, Master-At-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoors teammates share his story of his courageous and selfless actions. May you always rest in peace knowing that we remember you and your sacrifice. Aviation_Intel. 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. Our strength is our brotherhood. He was the ultimate teammate. 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. [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. [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. 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 could not deter Michael and his SEAL platoon. 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. He displayed great personal courage and exceptional bravery while conducting operations in enemy held territory at Ar Ramadi Iraq. Particularly a Military Funeral, held at a Military Cemetary. 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. As I look at this picture, I hear a voice in a humble but confident tone. (U.S. Navy photo Mass Communication. Family members linked to this person will appear here. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. 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. MEDAL OF HONORMA2 US NAVYAFGHANISTAN IRAQNo Regrets, Your Scrapbook is currently empty. Mikes gun is at the ready. 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. hide-sight in time to escape harm. 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. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. From here we almost lose our breath as we follow the rapid upward trajectory his life would take. An incredible athlete, Mike enjoyed snowboarding, body boarding, spear fishing, motorcycle riding, and driving his Corvette. I have looked at this picture over and over again and it speaks to me. [5][6], A grenade was thrown onto the rooftop by an insurgent on the street below. 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. 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 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 . Failed to delete flower. 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.