I am so proud to be a part of this Band of Brothers. 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. I just thought that was so incredible. He chose them. Fausone: I think again, another very important part because of a mother's concern and pain you sort of mention. They weren't Navy SEALs. 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. LATEST NEWS The 40th Annual San Francisco Fleet Week Begins. I know why Michael continued to foster this relationship. May you always rest in peace knowing that we remember you and your sacrifice. Shortly thereafter, an enemy fighter shot a rocket-propelled grenade at his building. Not much is known of the circumstances surrounding his death, family members said . He displayed great personal courage and exceptional bravery while conducting operations in enemy held territory at Ar Ramadi Iraq. "He never took his eye off the grenade, his only movement was down toward it," said a 28-year-old lieutenant who sustained shrapnel wounds to both legs that day. Instead, I smile at the Iraqi children when we pass them by. I can't speak for him, but I assume that's why he kept it to himself. Monsoor was born April 5, 1981, in Long Beach, California, the third of four children of Sally Ann (Boyle) and George Paul Monsoor. BECOMING COUSTEAU Liz Garbus, Dan Cogan; COW Andrea Arnold, Kat Mansoor; FLEE Jonas Poher Rasmussen. [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". 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. I've done a lot of projects. SEAL snipers from his roof engaged two of them which resulted in one enemy wounded in action and one enemy killed in action. or redistributed. He was only the second SEAL to die in Iraq since the war began. From April to Sept. 29, 2006, Mike served as a heavy weapons machine gunner in Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3. 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 . Aviation_Intel. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. As a communicator and machine-gunner on patrols, Monsoor carried 100 pounds (45kg) of gear in temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees. He is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. 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. The slaps were audible from across the cemetery; by the time the coffin arrived grave side, it looked as though it had a gold inlay from all the Tridents pinned to it. He was the ultimate teammate. Petty Officer Monsoor's actions could not have been more selfless or clearly intentional. I and the other members of SEAL Team Three, Task Unit Bruiser, had the honor of participating in the commissioning ceremony. Monsoor was severely wounded and although evacuated immediately, he died 30 minutes later. The overwatch couldnt tell where the RPG came from and didnt return fire., Read Michael Monsoors Summary of Action for September 29th, 2006. Regional exposure by managing/leading projects by handling projects. It said who Michael Monsoor was, a little bit about him - just a titch - and something went off in my being, and it was like you've got to tell this boy's story. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Demitrius J. Williams). 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. Thank-you again for Michael's service and your sacrifice. You quit. Michael Monsoor is a hero for all the world to know about and appreciate. For this brave action, he earned a Silver Star. Rea: It did after and he was able to say that to them when they met him after he had passed away. Figure out what you need to do to get better and get through that challenge. The following month, his rating changed from Quartermaster to Master-at-Arms, and he was assigned to Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3.[3][7]. Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which was presented by President George W. Bush to Monsoor's parents on April 8, 2008. Additionally, a nearby mosque called insurgents to arms to fight Coalition Forces. Just let them have their brother. 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. Monsoor was a Navy SEAL deployed to Iraq in April 2006. Taking Offense Religion, Art, and Visual Culture in Plural Configurations 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. The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest and fell onto the floor. Bullet holes cover the rubbled buildings. It showed Mike and his platoon mates in the war-torn streets of Ramadi, shrouded in a mist of greenish-yellow smoke, which was used to mask their movement from the enemy. The Moving Funeral of Petty Officer Mike Monsoor-Truth! Fausone: I think that's the bonding that occurs that maybe the civilian population doesn't necessarily appreciate. And then he had communications equipment. His sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. Tell us about this day that will always be remembered. He continued to provide effective suppressive fire while simultaneously dragging the wounded SEAL to safety. Faith conquers all. Kind of related to how that gift continues to ripple forward. Mikes gun is at the ready. Michael Monsoor, a Navy Seal, sacrificed his life for his buddies on Sept 29th. A brotherhood bound by sweat and blood and tears. As the coffin passed each SEAL, they slapped down the gold Trident each had removed from his own uniform and deeply embedded it into the wooden coffin. 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. Michael enlisted in the U.S. Navy March 21, 2001, and attended Basic Training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. 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. [6], On September 29, 2006, Monsoor's platoon engaged four insurgents in a firefight in Ramadi, killing one and injuring another. In the early afternoon, enemy fighters attacked his position with automatic weapons fire from a moving vehicle. Monsoor, a 25-year-old gunner, was killed in the explosion in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. I know because my father and brother were also gruntsproud Marine riflemen. It is the first Navy combat ship named for fallen Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor, who was posthumously . . Monsoor enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001 and graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in 2004. 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. 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 had been assigned to protect fellow SEALs on a rooftop in Ramadi, Iraq, when a fierce firefight with insurgents broke out. But I know that, he died doing something he loved. Named for a Medal of Honor recipient and Navy SEAL, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) will be commissioned Jan. 25.Ahead of the ceremony, Master-At-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor's teammates . Monsoor died approximately 30 minutes later from wounds sustained from the blast. He will inspire the crew, just as he inspired his teammates. Rea: Yeah. [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. Being the wife of a SEAL, quitting is the worst thing you can ever do, and Michael quit. He never gave up. Margaret Louise Monsoor, our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away in her sleep on August 8, 2021. [5][6], Monsoor enlisted in the United States Navy on March 24, 2001, and attended Basic Training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois. Exactly with that weapon, he was providing cover fire. I've met him and interviewed him and now I get it. On 15 operations, he carried a rucksack full of communications equipment in addition to his machinegun and full ammunition load-out. Lt. Michael P. Murphy, fondly referred to by friends and family as "Murph," was born May 7, 1976 in Smithtown, N.Y. and grew up in the New York City commuter town . 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. [2] His father also served in the United States military as a Marine. And Jesse Ventura was in thereI was at the other end of the bar, but he said something kind of derogatory toward us losing guys or whatever and . These men who are in the field with the Warriors give great counsel, and great solace. Close. His selfless, decisive, heroic actions resulted in 25 enemy killed and saved the lives of his teammates, other Coalition Forces and Iraqi Army soldiers. 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. 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. DDG 1001 TOP STORY. Many of my brothers have fallen. People want to know everything all the time. 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 ship honors Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who . Commander, Navy Installations Command | 716 Sicard Street SE Suite 1000 | Washington DC, 20374-5140 Official U.S. Navy Website There is a lot that goes into naming the ship. 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. In the early morning, insurgents prepared to execute a coordinated attack by reconnoitering the area around the element's position. 190126-N-XN177-1115 SAN DIEGO (Jan. 26, 2019) Sailors stand in formation during the commissioning ceremony for the guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), Jan. 26, 2019. Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor had been near the only door to the rooftop structure Sept. 29 when the grenade hit him in the chest and bounced to the floor, said four SEALs who spoke to The Associated Press this week on condition of anonymity because their work requires their identities to remain secret. 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. The trapezoidal-shaped USS Michael Monsoor came to Naval Station Everett on Friday, where the ship . Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Delta Platoon was sent to Iraq in April 2006 and assigned to train Iraqi Army soldiers in Ramadi. Rose, thanks for bringing this story to life and adding it to the library of literature on Medal of Honor recipients. Only you guys, only the men, and women who have served in these stressful situations can attest something happens. Petty Officer Monsoor was the Platoon Machine Gunner of an overwatch element, providing security for an Iraqi Army Brigade during counter-insurgency operations. 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. But then they started to take fire which happened pretty fast, and ultimately, a grenade was thrown on the rooftop. They were providing overwatch security while joint and combined forces were conducting missions in the area. Monsoor died on Sept. 29, 2006, and was buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael Anthony Monsoor. He placed him in a small, confined sniper hide-sight between two SEAL snipers on an outcropping of the roof, which allowed the three SEALs maximum coverage of the area. Named for a Medal of Honor recipient and Navy SEAL, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) will be commissioned Jan. 25. He was gifted at everything he did, hard-working, funny, and selfless. Hi, I was a volunteer at the Bob Hope USO @ LAX for ten years and currently on occasion volunteer at the USO in San Diego. But, he didn't give up. 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. Michael inspired and looked out for his friends his whole life. 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 . In the book, "Defend Us in Battle: The True Story of MA2 Navy SEAL Medal of Honor Recipient Michael A. Monsoor". He lived for 30 minutes longer, they were providing aid as fast as they could. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. I mean this really is a story about Brotherhood and father/son. What we do have preserved in the book are all those stories she shared, gems, so many she hadn't shared with the world. While vigilantly watching for enemy activity, an enemy fighter hurled a hand grenade onto the roof from an unseen location. 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 . [19], There is a U.S. The following month, his rating changed from Quartermaster to Master-at-Arms, and he was assigned to SEAL Team 3 Delta Platoon. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 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. During the battle, a grenade bounced off Monsoors chest and landed on the roof. Michael died thirty minutes later, having made the ultimate sacrifice. Imperial Beach Outlying Landing Field. [1] He enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001 and graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training BUD/S class 250 in 2004. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, All Major Military Award Recipients (PDF), Medal of Honor Recipient's Story of Overcoming Obstacles and Sacrifice, Transcript of Veterans Radio Host Jim Fausone's Interview with. [5][6], A grenade was thrown onto the rooftop by an insurgent on the street below. Those memories will always be within those children, which I love. Actually, there is a neat little memorial section in the back of the book that, yes there are these incredible memorials to him, but what I thought to point out is that the most powerful memorials right now are of all the sons of the brothers he saved who were named after him. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. But he didn't give up, he quit but he didn't give up. He also helped load his wounded teammate into a High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle for evacuation, then returned to combat. This electronic book is available for free download and printing from www.homeofheroes.com. [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. 1927-2021. 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. The men fighting alongside us in the streets are infantrymengrunts. 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. 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. Everyone in the unit knows Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor's career history and shares it with all new cadets. 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. Rose, how did you get involved in helping write and shape this book? One of them belongs to Michael Monsoor. 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. The name of Petty Officer Michael Anthony Monsoor will now be among them. But there was more of a story there. Because of Petty Officer Monsoor's actions, he saved the lives of his 3 teammates and the IA soldiers. Like most fighting ships, its namesake will be woven into . Michael definitely inspired him in that, Michael was a SEAL first. Who was I named after? In the morning, his team observed four enemy fighters armed with AK-47s reconnoitering from roads in the sector to conduct follow-on attacks. Camp Morena. Instead, he dropped onto the grenade to shield the others from the blast. The slaps were reportedly heard across the cemetery. Three Ismaili Muslims were members of parliament, down one from 2019, and State Minister for Peace Sadat Mansoor Naderi is also an Ismaili Muslim. I have looked at this picture over and over again and it speaks to me. The ship honors Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who was posthumously awarded the Medal of . Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. April 5, 1981 - Sept. 29, 2006. I mean that's crushing. 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. 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 record a conversation that George told you he had with Michael. or redistributed. So it just marries together so many wonderful stories and memories. He is survived by his mother Sally, his father George, his sister Sara, and his two brothers James and Joseph. 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. He had this unbreakable little will at such a young age and it was so inspiring. He bore the weight without a single complaint, even in the midst of the 130 degree Western Iraqi summer. [3][5], Monsoor was described as a "quiet professional" and a "fun-loving guy" by those who knew him. It is a city devastated by war. He had three SEALs with him and I think there's one or two Iraqi interpreters. 1. Monsoor's position made him the only SEAL on the rooftop with quick access to an escape route. Posted by 7 years ago. His life and unfortunate death are inspiring. A mutually supporting SEAL/IA position also killed an enemy fighter during the morning hours. Legal Statement. 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. 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. 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. 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. Sally Monsoor, mother of Michael Monsoor and the ship's sponsor, is escorted on stage during the commissioning ceremony for the guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001) on Jan. 26 . 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 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. And look at also the actual battle scenes in there were actually taken from after-action reports. I think there's a lesson for all of us here, isn't there?