He undoubtedly saved mine and the other SEALs lives, and we owe him., As Kristen Scharnberg of the ChicagoTribune summarized in tribute, The men who were there that day say they could see the options flicker across Michael Mansoors face: save himself or save the men he had long considered brothers. Margaret Louise Monsoor, our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away in her sleep on August 8, 2021. His teammates recall his sense of loyalty to God, family, and his team. But there was more of a story there. Graeme Brathwaite on LinkedIn: Clyde B. Jones Funeral Home and Versus In the morning, his team observed four enemy fighters armed with AK-47s reconnoitering from roads in the sector to conduct follow-on attacks. "And when it was all over, the simple wooden coffin had become a gold-plated memorial to a hero who will never be forgotten.. During the Battle of Ramadi, SEAL Team Three was sent to Ramadi, Iraq in April 2006 and assigned to train Iraqi Army soldiers. So George got to talk with him about sacrifice. 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. And I'm like, who is this? I am far away from home. MICHAEL A. MONSOOR New guys are like the bottom of the barrel, right? Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael Anthony Monsoor. A relationship through how much they loved each other and then this brotherly love which ultimately grows and grows and then at the end, but after you saw how much he cared about his fellow squadmates didn't it almost make sense at the end as devastating as it was. Instead, I smile at the Iraqi children when we pass them by. You had a chance to talk to some of these men. STEVE INSKEEP, host: The White House is about to bestow the highest military award on a Navy SEAL from Southern California. IN THE EARLY MORNING, INSURGENTS PREPARED TO EXECUTE A COORDINATED ATTACK BY RECONNOITERING THE AREA AROUND THE ELEMENT'S POSITION. Medal of Honor - Michael Monsoor's Story | Military.com Fact Check: General story of e-mail on sailor's funeral is true The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest before falling to the ground. He said he died in the state of grace and for what Catholics believe, with the sacraments and what else. Fausone: I think again, another very important part because of a mother's concern and pain you sort of mention. A little-known tribute some Navy SEALs gave to a fallen comrade is gaining notice. Monsoor was a Navy SEAL deployed to Iraq in April 2006. Regional exposure by managing/leading projects by handling projects. 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 . As I look at this picture, I hear a voice in a humble but confident tone. Named for a Medal of Honor recipient and Navy SEAL, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) will be commissioned Jan. 25. I enlisted because of people like him, because of people who are willing to fight and die for their fellow man. Mike and his fellow SEALs accounted for 84 enemy fighters killed in action and the detainment of numerous insurgents. Imperial Beach Outlying Landing Field. 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. You record a conversation that George told you he had with Michael. Michael Anthony Monsoor (April 5, 1981 - September 29, 2006) was a United States Navy SEAL who was killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. 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 . On September 29, 2006, Michael Monsoor and three SEAL snipers watched vigilantly for enemy activity from a rooftop post in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. As we approach the Anniversary of Mikey's sacrifice, I want to tell you about this man. 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. 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. Fausone: I think that's one of the lessons, right? You had middle school classes want to make videos and learned about his story. I feel so honored that I was able to play a small role in now bringing his story to the world because George told me one of the reasons that finally got him to say yes was he said my son was so much more than just a boy who jumped on a grenade because that's what the average person in the public knew him as. From April to Sept. 29, 2006, Mike served as a heavy weapons machine gunner in Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3. A couple of hours later, an insurgency fighter closed on the overwatch position and threw a fragment grenade into the overwatch position which hit Monsoor in the chest before falling in front of him. Through this ship: Michael Monsoor will still represent the very best our country has to offer. Fausone: I think that's the bonding that occurs that maybe the civilian population doesn't necessarily appreciate. AS ENEMY ACTIVITY INCREASED, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR TOOK POSITION WITH HIS MACHINE GUN BETWEEN TWO TEAMMATES ON AN OUTCROPPING OF THE ROOF. I know these grunts are not just Soldiers and Marines, but fathers and brothers and sons. Forever the May Queen . Exploit isn't the right word - that happens right? 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. Two SEALs next to Monsoor were injured; another who was 10 to 15 feet from the blast was unhurt. George's son, Michael, is a recipient of the Medal of Honor and we're going to tell Michael's story. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. I thought that was just so powerful. 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. The 25-year-old California native died in 2006 . Fausone: And again, that's the lesson to learn. They were providing overwatch security while joint and combined forces were conducting missions in the area. All of the rest of the men, three SEALs, and the Iraqi interpreters, survived because of what Michael did for them willingly. It's not always a religious thing, sometimes it's just that you have somebody safe you can express your fears with. This was one of the last missions, which is just even worse. And his story offers some perspective on the long war in Iraq and the chaos there today. It wasn't like someone said something, I meant these really happened. 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. Michael A. Monsoor | Navy SEALs USS Michael Monsoor Commissioning Ceremony Honors Legacy - California He had been assigned to protect fellow SEALs on a rooftop in Ramadi, Iraq, when a fierce firefight with insurgents broke out. Two other SEALs next to him at the time were injured by the explosion but survived. He was operating with I think eight of them total left out of a normal size of 15 to 20. 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. The Navy on Saturday christened the guided missile destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001), named in honor of a Navy SEAL who was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism in Iraq. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Demitrius J. Williams). Navy SEAL Killed in Iraq Receives Medal of Honor : NPR The trapezoidal-shaped USS Michael Monsoor came to Naval Station Everett on Friday, where the ship . THE ENEMY CONTINUED TO ASSAULT THE ELEMENT, ENGAGING THEM WITH A ROCKET-PROPELLED GRENADE AND SMALL ARMS FIRE. Market data provided by Factset. They flew him back over to do the honors. And every day, brave men continued to push forward, into the fray. PO2 (EOD2) Mike Monsoor, a Navy Seal, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously for jumping on a grenade in Iraq, giving his life to save his fellow Seals. [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]. Mike and his platoon operated in a highly contested part of Ramadi city called the Ma'laab district. As suspected, his parents wouldn't have known about it but probably gave them great comfort once they learned. 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. Installation Site Map To all those whose lives were forever changed on that awful night: I am so sorry that MI5 did not prevent the attack at the Manchester Arena,' Mr McCallum said 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. 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. Monsoor described as an "outgoing guy" by his grandfather, George Monsoor, Sr. was killed on Sept. 29, 2006. April 5, 1981 - Sept. 29, 2006. [5][6], Monsoor enlisted in the United States Navy on March 24, 2001, and attended Basic Training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois. Delta Platoon was sent to . During Mike Monsoor's funeral in San Diego, as his coffin was at the grave site at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, SEALs were lined up on both sides of the pallbearers route . Delta Platoon executed a broad spectrum of combat operations in and around Ramadi. He knew some of these guys were going home early, it's called turnover. He has an older brother James and older sister Sara, and a younger brother Joseph. 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 (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart/Released). An incredible athlete, Mike enjoyed snowboarding, body boarding, spear fishing, motorcycle riding, and driving his Corvette. US Navy Seal Mike Monsoor - Awarded the Medal of Honor Duval County September home sales: Queen's Harbour estate at top George Monsoor (Michael's father) and Rose Rea detail in their book, "Defend Us in Battle", Michael had prepared for this selfless act his whole life - a life that inspires us to have a similar generosity of heart. There was only one access point for entry or exit and Monsoor was the only one who could have saved himself from harm. There's a healthy level of mystery or privacy. But he didn't give up, he quit but he didn't give up. In the early morning, insurgents prepared to execute a coordinated attack by reconnoitering the area around the element's position. by Norman Fulkerson May 22, 2008. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. Did you get that sense? Rea: So, so powerful. U.S. Navy file photo of the Medal of Honor certificate presented by President George W. Bush to George and Sally Monsoor on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, IN THE EARLY MORNING, INSURGENTS PREPARED TO EXECUTE A COORDINATED ATTACK BY RECONNOITERING THE AREA AROUND THE ELEMENTS POSITION. When Mike died, a picture of him circulated the news. 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. That picture says so much. A Fitting Tribute to a Slain Navy SEAL Gains Attention This story is so incredible so it really gives people a perspective and a glimpse into who was this boy that made this split-second decision that changed lives forever. "The procession went on nearly half an hour," Bush said. He will safeguard our families, as he safeguarded his own family. Market data provided by Factset. 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. Positioned next to the single exit, Monsoor was the only one who could have escaped harm. I just thought that was so incredible. And Michael turned all of that away, Jim because he believed in a bigger ideal. A Warrior's Send Off | Officer In the Ma'laab district, Michael perfected his skills as an urban machine gunner. Two SEALs next to Monsoor were injured . Sally recently passed away, and they were married for 49 years, so that is very heartbreaking. In the picture, his brother SEALs are nearbybut Mikey is out front. In the following transcript, Veterans Radio host Jim Fausone talks with Rose about Michael, his family, his faith, and his sacrifice. Strengthening him to do his job was the sacraments - what Catholics use as a Sacrament. Rea: Yes. On April 8, 2008, Master at Arms, 2nd Class Michael Anthony Monsoor (4/5/81 to 09/29/06) , a Navy EOD Technician, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously for jumping on a grenade . The future USS Michael Monsoor, named for Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Ramadi, Iraq, on September. I Will Defend: Michael Monsoor's story - YouTube He aggressively stabilized each chaotic situation with focused determination and uncanny tactical awareness. This is what I said: Ladies and gentlemen. MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT MICHAEL P. MURPHY - Navy Rea: I know. The U.S. Navy's newest vessel, a guided-missile destroyer named the USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001), commissioned on January 27, 2019. On January 26, 2019, the U.S. Navy commissioned a ship named the USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001). USS Michael Monsoor: The Ship and The Namesake - Military Machine This was a fitting send-off for a warrior hero. 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. Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor, United States Navy, distinguished himself through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Combat Advisor and Automatic Weapons Gunner for Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on 29 September 2006. I wasn't just a random person off the street. [3][5], Monsoor was described as a "quiet professional" and a "fun-loving guy" by those who knew him. Delta Platoon was sent to Iraq in April 2006 and assigned to train Iraqi Army soldiers in Ramadi. Who has the courage to do that? 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. Michael A Monsoor | War on Terrorism (Iraq) | U.S. Navy | Medal of On March 31, 2008, the United States Department of Defense confirmed that Monsoor would posthumously receive the Medal of Honor from the president of the United States, George W. Bush, for his valiant and selfless actions to save the lives of his SEAL teammates by sacrificing his own, during combat in Ramadi, Iraq on September 29, 2006. He attended Dr. Walter C. Ralston Intermediate School and Garden Grove High School in Garden Grove, California and played tight-end on the school's football team, graduating in 1999. Don't consider yourself a loser. He displayed great personal courage and exceptional bravery while conducting operations in enemy held territory at Ar Ramadi Iraq. So I thought it was a nice touch to add that all in. He has an older brother James and older . Mike was one of the bravest men on the battlefield, never allowing the enemy to discourage him. Michael died thirty minutes later, having made the ultimate sacrifice. But we are strong. 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 think George will fight for his son and stand up for his memory his whole life. Brave men died or were wounded every day. It's so painful, but George knew his son was set to do this, was set to go to this war-torn area and he wasn't afraid. 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. Michael A. Monsoor | Detailed Pedia Copyright 2018 by Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC Camp Morena. 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. During Mike Monsoors funeral in San Diego, as his coffin was being moved from the hearse to the grave site at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, SEALs were lined up on both sides of the pallbearers route forming a column of twos, with the coffin moving up the center. They weren't Navy SEALs. President Bush Attends Medal of Honor Ceremony for Petty Officer 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. From the US Navy: Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael Anthony Monsoor. He will receive the award for his actions in Ar Ramadi, Iraq on Sept. 29, 2006. Like most fighting ships, its namesake will be woven into . The four had been working with Iraqi soldiers providing sniper security while U.S. and Iraqi forces conducted missions in the area. Act of Valor and the Navy SEALs that Inspired the Movie's Realism As you tell the story in "Defend Us in Battle," it seemed like the guys knew he knew he was taking on this extra responsibility to have their back. The symbolic display moved many, included Bush, who during his speech in April's Medal of Honor ceremony spoke about the incident. All rights reserved. Some sort of bonding and love of your fellow man deepens in those situations. Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor was killed in battle in Iraq in September 2006, and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in April. These men who are in the field with the Warriors give great counsel, and great solace. He was gifted at everything he did, hard-working, funny, and selfless. And because of that, his men were able to get to safety. An insurgent closed in and threw a fragmentation grenade into the overwatch position. In the book, "Defend Us in Battle: The True Story of MA2 Navy SEAL Medal of Honor Recipient Michael A. Monsoor". Monsoor quickly smothered the grenade with his body, absorbing the resulting explosion and saving his comrades from serious injury or death. During the service, as Monsoor's coffin was taken from the hearse to the gravesite, Navy SEALs lined up in two columns. I believe I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Mr. Monsoor there. Click to see a video showing the SEALs' tribute to Monsoor on YouTube. SEAL's Name", Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training, jumped onto the grenade, covering it with his body, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, "Complications Grow for Muslims Serving in U.S. Military", "Sailor Killed in Iraq Awarded Medal of Honor", "A Fitting Tribute to a Slain Navy SEAL Gains Attention", "Medal of Honor for Navy Officer in Iraq", "President Bush Attends Medal of Honor Ceremony for Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor, U.S. Navy", "U.S. Navy Recipients of the Silver Medal for Actions Since September 11, 2001", "Monsoor Avenue, Krulak Way at new vets cemetery", "SECNAV Names New Zumwalt-Class Destroyer USS Michael Monsoor", "Department of the Navy Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Budget Estimates Justification of Estimates February 2018", "Dedication event for Monsoor Stadium set", "Garden Grove High School dedicates new stadium in honor of fallen war hero", "Navy SEAL who sacrificed life for team honored at school in Southern California", "Navy SEAL's sacrifice earns Medal of Honor", "Pentagon-sourced video clip of White House ceremony honoring Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Michael_A._Monsoor&oldid=1135657594, United States Navy personnel of the Iraq War, United States Navy Medal of Honor recipients, American military personnel killed in the Iraq War, Burials at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Iraq War recipients of the Medal of Honor, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with dead external links from January 2018, Articles with permanently dead external links, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 26 January 2023, at 01:00. 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. 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. Rose Rea: Yes, it is a powerful one. 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. Rea: It's no small thing. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Michael A. Monsoor, A True Hero - Flopping Aces Dunbar, Monsoor, SEALS, Monsoor funeral. 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. 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. 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. His life and unfortunate death are inspiring. He is survived by his parents, an older sister and two brothers. He was a member of the elite branch of the Navy called SEALS, which stands for SEa, Air and Land. Those memories will always be within those children, which I love. So many guys have named their kids after him because they just loved him so much. The text of his citation reads: For service as set forth in the following. 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 . 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. UNITED STATES NAVY And in this shipand in its crewMikeys spirit will live on. 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. MASTER-AT-ARMS SECOND CLASS (SEA, AIR AND LAND) MICHAEL A. MONSOOR, MA2 MICHAEL A. MONSOOR, USN with sailors on his tour. He really wanted to protect them. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Let's let certain things be, right? She was 94 years old. I was part of their community. DDG 1001 TOP STORY. Thank you so much for having me and for filling your listeners in a little bit. [5][6], A grenade was thrown onto the rooftop by an insurgent on the street below. Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, 25, was killed in combat Sept. 29 in Ramadi, Iraq, west of Baghdad. [21][22][23], Michael Monsoor is mentioned in the book of Rorke Denver "Damn Few: Making the Modern SEAL Warrior".[24]. The Mountain Warfare Training Facility Camp Michael Monsoor is located 50 miles east of San Diego, near the city of Campo.