THE ENEMY CONTINUED TO ASSAULT THE ELEMENT, ENGAGING THEM WITH A ROCKET-PROPELLED GRENADE AND SMALL ARMS FIRE. [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. 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. And every day, brave men continued to push forward, into the fray. 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. Michael Monsoor is a hero for all the world to know about and appreciate. As suspected, his parents wouldn't have known about it but probably gave them great comfort once they learned. 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. In the morning, his team observed four enemy fighters armed with AK-47s reconnoitering from roads in the sector to conduct follow-on attacks. Zumwalt-class destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) moored at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPACT) 2022. An insurgent closed in and threw a fragmentation grenade into the overwatch position. Instead, he threw himself onto the live grenade, shielding his fellow soldiers from the immediate explosion. 190126-N-XN177-1481 SAN DIEGO (Jan. 26, 2019) The crew of the Zumwalt-class guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) brings the ship to life during its commissioning ceremony, Jan. 26, 2019. STEVE INSKEEP, host: The White House is about to bestow the highest military award on a Navy SEAL from Southern California. He said he died in the state of grace and for what Catholics believe, with the sacraments and what else. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, fighting together. Over the next five months, Monsoor and his platoon frequently engaged in combat with insurgent forces. Fausone: There are a number of lessons, and I think we hold these men who receive the Medal of Honor so highly that we can learn some lessons. He has a grateful nation forever in his debt! Delta Platoon executed a broad spectrum of combat operations in and around Ramadi. 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. I don't think any of us can sit back and think oh it's so easy for everyone else, but it's hard for us to see past our own difficulty sometimes. US Navy Medal of Honor recipient (19812006), Mountain Warfare Training Camp Michael Monsoor, Garden Grove High School Memorial Stadium. As we approach the Anniversary of Mikey's sacrifice, I want to tell you about this man. ALTHOUGH ONLY HE COULD HAVE ESCAPED THE BLAST, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR CHOSE INSTEAD TO PROTECT HIS TEAMMATES. [5], During an engagement on May 9, 2006, Monsoor ran into a street while under continuous insurgent gunfire to rescue an injured comrade. He will receive the award for his actions in Ar Ramadi, Iraq on Sept. 29, 2006. To me, they're worth dying for, because there's a bond between brothers, and that bond transcends blood. Really what Michael appreciated over there was strength. Michael obviously knew what was going down, as he was operating on this nightly basis. Michael died thirty minutes later, having made the ultimate sacrifice. He bore the weight without a single complaint, even in the midst of the 130 degree Western Iraqi summer. 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 . 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. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. October 14, 2019 | Fort Sam Houston, TX. He was a boy. Monsoor's position made him the only SEAL on the rooftop with quick access to an escape route. Praying for the loved ones of the fallen this weekend especially. I want to point out, it also happens to be Saint Michael the Archangels Feast Day. Silver Strand Training Complex. The Moving Funeral of Petty Officer Mike Monsoor-Truth! Mission and Vision. 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. Because there is nothing more important to me than my family. 2006 I mean that's crushing. We worked hand-in-hand and one by one with his teammates. So my husband brings this book home and there's one paragraph - that's all it was - one paragraph. Monsoor was protecting other SEALs, two of whom were 15 feet away from him. Mike and his fellow SEALs accounted for 84 enemy fighters killed in action and the detainment of numerous insurgents. 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. To this day, they still blows me away. The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest before falling to the ground. For these actions, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. 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. SAN DIEGO - Zumwalt-class destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) held a change of command. Palatial properties along the Intracoastal Waterway, the St. Johns and the Beaches dominated the list of . Two SEALs next to Monsoor were injured . 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. You see those friendships that were deep in there. Exactly with that weapon, he was providing cover fire. Again, a great story about a terrific young man who made the ultimate sacrifice for his mates - a selfless act. Copyright 2018 by Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC On September 29, 2006, an insurgent threw a grenade onto a rooftop where Monsoor and several other SEALs and Iraqi soldiers were positioned. Upon graduation from basic training, he attended Master At Arms "A" School. We're his siblings, just let us be. 0:36. I think that was the way that it was always meant to be. You had a chance to talk to some of these men. 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. The first, USS Zumwalt, is named after Elmo R. Zumwalt Jr., chief of naval operations from 1970 to 1974. [3] His father is of Lebanese and Irish descent, and his mother has Irish ancestry. He was a loyal friend and exceptional SEAL, and he is sorely missed by his brothers in Task Unit Bravo. They got him evacuated off the rooftop, and got him as fast as they could back to base, but that's where he passed away. He is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. EVERETT One of the Navy's newest destroyers paid a visit to Puget Sound this weekend. Additionally, a nearby mosque called insurgents to arms to fight Coalition Forces. 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. ELEMENT SNIPERS THWARTED THE ENEMY'S INITIAL ATTEMPT BY ELIMINATING TWO INSURGENTS. 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. His funeral in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego was attended by nearly every SEAL on the West Coast, President Bush said. [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. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. Michael Anthony Monsoor was born on 5 April 1981 in Long Beach, CA, the third of four children born to George and Sally Monsoor. The ship honors Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who . Not much is known of the circumstances surrounding his death, family members said . Collectively it weighed more than 100 pounds. 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. 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. Named for a Medal of Honor recipient and Navy SEAL, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) will be commissioned Jan. 25. TIL during the funeral of Navy SEAL Michael A. Monsoor, every Navy SEAL on the West Coast came to the funeral, took off their golden trident off of there own uniform and slapped it onto his wooden coffin covering the whole coffin in golden tridents. 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. I believe I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Mr. Monsoor there. Death is everywhere. It is obviously very humbling to be here today, as it was humbling to be on the battlefield of Ramadi with my fellow SEALs and 2/28 Brigade Combat Team, the Iron Soldiers, and then 1/1 AD, the Ready First Combat Team, which was formed up by our brothers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines and included such hallowed units as the 1st of the 506th Band of brothers, the 1-37 Bandits, and the 3/8 Marines. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on 29 September 2006. Your parents and family are also remembered, as they too have borne the pain of your absence. Over the years, many who have received the medal have given their lives in the action that earned it. MASTER AT ARMS SECOND CLASS, SEA, AIR and LAND [6], On September 29, 2006, Monsoor's platoon engaged four insurgents in a firefight in Ramadi, killing one and injuring another. And then he had communications equipment. Monsoor, a 25-year-old gunner, was killed in the explosion in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. The following month, his rating changed from Quartermaster to Master-at-Arms, and he was assigned to Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3.[3][7]. Get email updates about Michael A. Monsoor delivered directly to your inbox. The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest and fell onto the floor. 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 . I think there's a lesson for all of us here, isn't there? Imperial Beach Outlying Landing Field. Who was I named after? You tell the story of Michael improving himself and getting through BUD/S. by Norman Fulkerson May 22, 2008. I miss my mother, my father, my sister, and my brothers. These men who are in the field with the Warriors give great counsel, and great solace. Click to see a video showing the SEALs' tribute to Monsoor on YouTube. Contact. He wanted him, and to make sure anyone else who wanted to would get home, so he stayed. Strengthening him to do his job was the sacraments - what Catholics use as a Sacrament. SEAL snipers from his roof engaged two of them which resulted in one enemy wounded in action and one enemy killed in action. You talk in the book about how he got into sports - hockey and football - and pushed himself to overcome this medical challenge. Monsoor was severely wounded and although evacuated immediately, he died 30 minutes later. They fought in 35 heated firefights; during these incidents Mike shot tens of thousands of 7.62 millimeter rounds to cover Delta Platoon's movement through streets that seemed to be paved with fire. [2] His father also served in the United States military as a Marine. I was part of their community. Mike Cirelli, one of the men he saved, named his son Michael Anthony after Michael Anthony Monsoor. 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. . What we do have preserved in the book are all those stories she shared, gems, so many she hadn't shared with the world. By June 21, 2022 springhill elementary school calendar on michael monsoor funeral June 21, 2022 springhill elementary school calendar on michael monsoor funeral The ultimate friend. He continued to provide effective suppressive fire while simultaneously dragging the wounded SEAL to safety. His sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. 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. Fausone: I think again, another very important part because of a mother's concern and pain you sort of mention. We put in the story what he told his mom or brother - he said you'll have to drag my dead body off the beach before I quit again. All rights reserved. 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. All morning long the overwatch position received harassment fire that had become a typical part of the day for the security team. Rea:Right. Bless their hearts. Fausone:Yes and it's a huge honor. Michael Monsoor, a Navy Seal, sacrificed his life for his buddies on Sept 29th. [18], A SEAL training facilitylocated about 50 miles (80km) east of San Diegowas renamed Mountain Warfare Training Camp Michael Monsoor. 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart/Released). The ship honors Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who was posthumously awarded the Medal of . On that day, Monsoor was part of a sniper overwatch security position with three other SEALs and eight Iraqi Army (IA) soldiers. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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 . [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. Monsoor was the . [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. One of the lessons here that I think folks learned, and it's kind of interesting, is Michael had asthma as a kid and had to overcome all the medical challenges that go through childhood when you can't breathe when you have an asthma problem. Rea: I don't think we'll ever understand, Jim. It's really a selfless sacrifice and you end up giving this gift to those who are spared. Words seem insufficient to recognize him as the most honorable, decent, unselfish, brave man who gave his life to save others. box of lies online generator michael monsoor funeral. George's son, Michael, is a recipient of the Medal of Honor and we're going to tell Michael's story. 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. Monsoor died about 30 minutes later from wounds caused by the grenade explosion. During their deployment, Mike and his fellow SEALS came under enemy attack on 75 percent of their missions. Michael was the closest one where he could have jumped away from it, but the other three could not have. We were doing his wake after the funeral there. 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. [19], There is a U.S. Fausone: I've had the chance to write on and interview a number of chaplains. Two SEALs next to Monsoor were injured; another who was 10 to 15 feet from the blast was unhurt. Ahead of the ceremony, Master-At-Arms 2nd Cl. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Michael the Archangel by Guido Reni, Santa Maria della Concezione, Rome, 1636. Twenty Gold Star families and four Medal of Honor recipients witnessed the second Zumwalt-class destroyer enter the fleet. MICHAEL A. MONSOOR Kind of related to how that gift continues to ripple forward. 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. I know why Michael continued to foster this relationship. He was 25 years old. Michael, being the man that he was, was aware of everything going on around him. Michael Monsoor joined the United States Navy in about March of 2001. President's 13 Year Old Daughter Spent Spring Break in Mexico-Truth. April 5, 1981 - Sept. 29, 2006. Dunbar, Monsoor, SEALS, Monsoor funeral. Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which was presented by President George W. Bush to Monsoor's parents on April 8, 2008. Immediately, Monsoor yelled "Grenade!" Mikes gun is at the ready. Even before I jumped into really writing the story, I had no idea that he quit BUD/S once. USS Michael Monsoor is the second of three Zumwalt-class destroyers ordered by the Navy. ELEMENT SNIPERS THWARTED THE ENEMYS INITIAL ATTEMPT BY ELIMINATING TWO INSURGENTS. Naval Air Station North Island. 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. Not out of any sort of reason other than just letting us be. The Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) and the Zumwalt-class destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) arrived at theTom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland, Oregon to kick-off Portland Rose Festival and Fleet Week 2022, June 9., 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. He is survived by his parents, an older sister and two brothers. Three Ismaili Muslims were members of parliament, down one from 2019, and State Minister for Peace Sadat Mansoor Naderi is also an Ismaili Muslim. Monsoor and the two injured were evacuated to the combat outpost battalion aid station where Monsoor died approximately 30 minutes after the incident from injuries sustained by the grenade blast., Also due to Monsoors selfless actions, the fourth man of the SEAL squad who was 10-15 feet from the blast, was unhurt. He took a lead position to protect the platoon from frontal assault and the team was frequently involved in engagements with insurgent fighters. Petty Officer Second Class Michael Anthony Monsoor was born April 5, 1981 in Long Beach, Calif. Michael . 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. Received the Silver Star posthumously for previous heroic actions in Iraq on May 9, 2006 when he pulled a wounded teammate to safety while under hostile enemy fire. 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. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. When a grenade thrown by insurgents bounced off Michael's chest, he could have escaped. The following month, his rating changed from Quartermaster to Master-at-Arms, and he was assigned to SEAL Team 3 Delta Platoon. Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for diving onto a grenade to save his teammates in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, on September 29, 2006. Let's let certain things be, right? Monsoor . He had three SEALs with him and I think there's one or two Iraqi interpreters. Mike and his platoon operated in a highly contested part of Ramadi city called the Ma'laab district.