PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 5, 2020) Seaman Davon Ramos, from New York, looks through binoculars while standing watch on the port bridge wing aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) during a vertical replenishment with Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194) and the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Regan (CVN 76). Mike was also a SEAL communicator. Mission and Vision. Like most fighting ships, its namesake will be woven into . Silver Strand Training Complex. Like many kids, he wanted to test himself and be the best he could in service and made his way through BUD/S and became a Navy SEAL in March 2005. [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". Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor patrols the streets of Iraq while deployed in 2006. Fausone: I've had the chance to write on and interview a number of chaplains. Over the next five months, Monsoor and his platoon frequently engaged in combat with insurgent forces. Tell us about finding those guys and in some measure pulling the stories out to make "Defend Us in Battle.". Fausone: I think that's one of the lessons, right? 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. It is the first Navy combat ship named for fallen Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor, who was posthumously . 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. [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. The unit symbol is composed of Petty Officer Monsoor's Medal of Honor, SEAL Trident, and Master-at-Arms shield. As we approach the Anniversary of Mikey's sacrifice, I want to tell you about this man. From the US Navy: Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael Anthony Monsoor. So George got to talk with him about sacrifice. On January 26, 2019, the U.S. Navy commissioned a ship named the USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001). For this brave action, he earned a Silver Star. But fear is no match for my Faith. While vigilantly watching for enemy activity, an enemy fighter hurled a hand grenade onto the roof from an unseen location. Fausone: Again, it's one of those things that demonstrates his character. During their deployment, Mike and his fellow SEALS came under enemy attack on 75 percent of their missions. . Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. And then from George and Sally's perspective, knowing bits and pieces people do know. 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. The 610-foot, 15,000-ton ship, built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works for the U.S. Navy, was named for Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor. Rea: I know. 120. 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. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Exactly with that weapon, he was providing cover fire. Rea: Yeah. Not everyone can step in and do it that well, that fast. 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. 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. It was such an honor and they felt safe with me because I wasn't just a reporter. Monsoor . Monsoor was severely wounded and although evacuated immediately, he died 30 minutes later. We were doing his wake after the funeral there. He ran out into the street with another SEAL, shot cover fire and dragged his comrade to safety while enemy bullets kicked up the concrete at their feet. "We were at a SEAL bar in San Diego called McP's, and we were having a wake for one of our guys that just died, I believe it was Michael Monsoor. 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. More importantly, how different groups whether it be at Fort Campbell or at Pendleton or in Norfolk, at churches, how wanted to make sure his name and his story in his sacrifice continued on. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 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. Rea: It did after and he was able to say that to them when they met him after he had passed away. All rights reserved. And Michael turned all of that away, Jim because he believed in a bigger ideal. Many of my brothers have fallen. A 28-year-old Lieutenant, who sustained shrapnel wounds to both legs that day, said the following in crediting Monsoor with saving his life: He never took his eye off the grenade his only movement was down toward it. During the service, as Monsoor's coffin was taken from the hearse to the gravesite, Navy SEALs lined up in two columns. THE ENEMY CONTINUED TO ASSAULT THE ELEMENT, ENGAGING THEM WITH A ROCKET-PROPELLED GRENADE AND SMALL ARMS FIRE. Imperial Beach Outlying Landing Field. The trapezoidal-shaped USS Michael Monsoor came to Naval Station Everett on Friday, where the ship . Monsoors body shielded the others from the brunt of the fragmentation blast and two other SEALs were only wounded by the remaining blast., One of the key aspects of this incident was the way the overwatch position was structured. 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. 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. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. UNITED STATES NAVY He was 25 years old. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart/Released). There is a lot that goes into naming the ship. The four had been working with Iraqi soldiers providing sniper security while U.S. and Iraqi forces conducted missions in the area. Monsoor was engaged in a firefight in Ramadi when, according to the military report, he and another SEAL pulled a team member shot in the leg to safety while bullets pinged off the ground around them., 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. His sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. 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 am Michael Monsoor. On September 29, 2006, an insurgent threw a grenade onto a rooftop where Monsoor and several other SEALs and Iraqi soldiers were positioned. Mike and his fellow SEALs accounted for 84 enemy fighters killed in action and the detainment of numerous insurgents. 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. We're talking to Rose Rea and she wrote the book, "Defend Us in Battle," with George Monsoor who's the father of Navy SEAL Michael Monsoor, who received the Medal of Honor from President George Bush back in 2008 for his actions in 2006 in Iraq. Thank-you for Michael's service & his and your sacrifices. I am far away from home. So many guys have named their kids after him because they just loved him so much. Legal Statement. In that split second, which is all that he had, he jumped on top of it and shielded the blast with his own body. 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. 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 . LATEST NEWS The 40th Annual San Francisco Fleet Week Begins. He really wanted to protect them. On 11 different operations, Petty Officer Monsoor exposed himself to heavy enemy fire while shielding his teammates with suppressive fire. Instead, I smile at the Iraqi children when we pass them by. Dunbar, Monsoor, SEALS, Monsoor funeral. USS Michael Monsoor is the second of three Zumwalt-class destroyers ordered by the Navy. Click to read President Bush's full speech at Monsoor's Medal of Honor ceremony. I love my country, my fellow SEALs, and the men fighting alongside us. He displayed great personal courage and exceptional bravery while conducting operations in enemy held territory at Ar Ramadi Iraq. Michael was the closest one where he could have jumped away from it, but the other three could not have. From there, God willing, I had the connections because I was a SEAL wife and I was able to reach out to Naval Special Warfare and they put me in touch with Michael's parents. USSMichael Monsoor (DDG-1001), the second ship in the Zumwalt class of guided missile destroyers, was also named in his honor. A little-known tribute some Navy SEALs gave to a fallen comrade is gaining notice. And then it just goes on from there, with the building of this ship. 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. 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. They patrolled bravely through the city streets engaging in firefights while on other occasions, they ambushed insurgent mortar teams near the banks of the Euphrates River. Michael Monsoor, a Navy Seal, sacrificed his life for his buddies on Sept 29th. He was Catholic and he found this incredible priest. Rea: I don't think we'll ever understand, Jim. He's heading into his 20th year of service this summer. Monsoors body shielded the others from the brunt of the fragmentation blast and two other SEALs were only wounded by the remaining blast.. Two other SEALs next to him at the time were injured by the explosion but survived. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. The trident is a U.S. Navy special warfare badge worn by SEALs. They were providing overwatch security while joint and combined forces were conducting missions in the area. When we encounter Iraqi families, I treat them with respect and dignity. So the majority of the platoon will get ready, they'll pack up, they'll get things on their containers to head home and they'll start getting ready to phase out and the new team will come back in. Sally recently passed away, and they were married for 49 years, so that is very heartbreaking. 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. 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 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. Commander, Navy Installations Command | 716 Sicard Street SE Suite 1000 | Washington DC, 20374-5140 Official U.S. Navy Website 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. Acting as the senior leader by leading a team of 3. Let's let certain things be, right? The other thing, not everyone's going to understand the gravity of this, but he was a new guy. 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. 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 ultimate friend. Not much is known of the circumstances surrounding his death, family members said . 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. Thank-you again for Michael's service and your sacrifice. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! MASTER-AT-ARMS SECOND CLASS (SEA, AIR AND LAND) MICHAEL A. MONSOOR, MA2 MICHAEL A. MONSOOR, USN with sailors on his tour. 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. You may print and distribute in quantity for all non-profit, educational purposes. All rights reserved. During the Battle of Ramadi, SEAL Team Three was sent to Ramadi, Iraq in April 2006 and assigned to train Iraqi Army soldiers. This gun is nicknamed "The Pig" because of its squealing sound and because there's so much force when they're shooting it. May the Lord comfort you. Naval Sea Cadet Corps unit named the "Michael A. Monsoor Battalion" based in Camp Pendleton, California. All rights reserved. During the battle, a grenade bounced off Monsoors chest and landed on the roof. And I'm like, who is this? The Moving Funeral of Petty Officer Mike Monsoor-Truth! Michael fought and fought and fought, even since he was little, to beat his ailment. An incredible athlete, Mike enjoyed snowboarding, body boarding, spear fishing, motorcycle riding, and driving his Corvette. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. I had no idea. Michael Anthony Monsoor (April 5, 1981 - September 29, 2006) was a United States Navy SEAL who was killed during the Iraq War and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Monsoor was the first Navy SEAL to earn the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq and the second Navy SEAL to receive the award since Sept. 11, 2001. or redistributed. Instead, knowing what the outcome would be, he fell on the grenade to save the others from harm. I just thought that was so incredible. You had middle school classes want to make videos and learned about his story. Such an amazing man! Jim Fausone:We want to welcome to Veterans Radio today, Rose Rea. U.S. Navy via Getty Images . 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. I think George will fight for his son and stand up for his memory his whole life. It represents the three aspects of SEAL special operations, sea, air, and land. 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. 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. 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. [3] His father is of Lebanese and Irish descent, and his mother has Irish ancestry. 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 . [12][13], For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Platoon Machine Gunner in Sea, Air, Land Team THREE (SEAL-3), Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula, Task Unit Ramadi, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 9 May 2006. 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. Rea: It was my pleasure and it's been such a joy speaking with you.

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