Medal of Honor: Michael A. Monsoor

Medal of Honor: MONSOOR, MICHAEL A.

A Navy SEAL is your best friend or worst enemy. A SEAL is trained to withstand extreme conditions and stress and when called to do so, unleash hell upon the enemy.  Petty Officer Michael Monsoor, part of the legendary SEAL Team 3, decided to save the life of his teammates at the cost of his own. Please take a moment to read the citation of a hero.

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Rank: Master-at-Arms
Organization: U.S. Navy
Division: SEAL Team 3
Born: April 5, 1981 in Long Beach, Calif.
Departed: Yes (09/29/2006)
Entered Service At: Garden Grove, CA.
Date of Issue: 04/08/2008
Place / Date: Ar Ramadi, Iraq, 29 September 2006
 
 

 

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as automatic weapons gunner for Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 29 September 2006. 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. In the early morning, insurgents prepared to execute a coordinated attack by reconnoitering the area around the elements position. Element snipers thwarted the enemy’s initial attempt by eliminating two insurgents. The enemy continued to assault the element, engaging them with a rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire. As enemy activity increased, Petty Officer Monsoor took position with his machine gun between two teammates on an outcropping of the roof. 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. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. 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. 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.

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Thanks to our friends at the Congressional Medal of Honor Society for this citation. Visit www.cmohs.org.

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