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A New HeroToday there is much conversation about the war in Afghanistan and what we should do while we are there. Whether you are a Republican, a Democrat or an Independent we all need to remember that men are giving their lives for our freedom each and every day, both in Afghanistan and Iraq. Sometimes those unsung heroes remain unknown and unreported upon. On September 29th, 2006 a young 25 year old sailor by the name of Mike Monsoor became one of the heroes. |
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The Congressional Medal of Honor |
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Read The CitationFor 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 element's position. |
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Element snipers thwarted the enemyż’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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But There's MoreNavy Seals go through the Basic Navy Seals Program which lasts 3 weeks, followed by Seal Qualification Training which is an additional 15 weeks of training. Upon successful completion each new Seal is awarded the Navy Seal Trident Pin, and with this gold pin they are officially Navy Seals. |
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A Heroe's FuneralAs the pallbearers carried the rosewood casket down the column of people to the grave site each time the casket passed by a Navy Seal he would remove his gold trident from his uniform and slap it down hard on the casket to imbed itself into the top of the wooden casket. The Seal would then step back from the casket and offer a salute. Michael A. Monsoor - A True American Hereo |
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