michael monsoor funeral michael monsoor funeral

Rea: It's so true. They said no to me Jim, for two years, because they're so private. You see those friendships that were deep in there. 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. I know because my father and brother were also gruntsproud Marine riflemen. 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. At his Oct. 12 funeral, as the e-mail states, Navy SEALs took their trident pins and pounded them . Together, we live in dust and dirt and filth. 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. I met Mike Monsoor when he checked into SEAL Team Three as a new, highly-motivated young frogman. Ahead of the ceremony, Master-At-Arms 2nd Cl. He graduated in September 2004 and joined SEAL Team 3 in 2005. [6], On September 29, 2006, Monsoor's platoon engaged four insurgents in a firefight in Ramadi, killing one and injuring another. He lived for 30 minutes longer, they were providing aid as fast as they could. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. Monsoor was a Navy SEAL deployed to Iraq in April 2006. She was 94 years old. By his courageous and selfless actions, he saved the lives of his two fellow SEALs and he is the most deserving of the special recognition afforded by awarding the Medal of Honor. 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. But, he didn't give up. As a communicator and machine-gunner on patrols, Monsoor carried 100 pounds (45kg) of gear in temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees. Mike was also a SEAL communicator. Even before I jumped into really writing the story, I had no idea that he quit BUD/S once. SAN DIEGO - Zumwalt-class destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) held a change of command. The Moving Funeral of Petty Officer Mike Monsoor-Truth! We were doing his wake after the funeral there. I want to point out, it also happens to be Saint Michael the Archangels Feast Day. 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. The new guys still can do some fun things, but for him to step into this role and provide such wonderful, tactical awareness and to do his job so well, it was just a huge, huge testament to him throwing himself in and giving his all. Petty Officer Monsoor maintained suppressive fire as the wounded SEAL received tactical casualty treatment to his leg. Zumwalt-class destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) moored at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPACT) 2022. Positioned next to the single exit, Monsoor was the only one who could have escaped harm. He took a lot on and it says a lot about his character. Security services could have stopped Manchester Arena attack if they acted on intelligence, and bomber's own family 'holds significant responsibility' for his radicalisation, damning report finds 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. SAN DIEGO - The Navy's newest Zumwalt-class destroyer, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), was commissioned Jan. 26 at Naval Air Station North Island.. Twenty gold star families and four Medal of Honor recipients witnessed the Navy's second Zumwalt-class destroyer enter the fleet. He was there to offer him whatever assistance Michael needed. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 'MI5 exists to stop atrocities. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, fighting together. 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. MASTER AT ARMS SECOND CLASS, SEA, AIR and LAND Rose, thanks for bringing this story to life and adding it to the library of literature on Medal of Honor recipients. 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. A couple of other things that I think go to his character, which ultimately leads to him making the ultimate sacrifice, his commanding officer in Ramadi in the Spring of 2006 was Lieutenant Commander Jocko Willink. Kirsten Wang. For this brave action, he earned a Silver Star. ELEMENT SNIPERS THWARTED THE ENEMYS INITIAL ATTEMPT BY ELIMINATING TWO INSURGENTS. 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. 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 . He also helped load his wounded teammate into a High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle for evacuation, then returned to combat. On 11 different operations, Petty Officer Monsoor exposed himself to heavy enemy fire while shielding his teammates with suppressive fire. He went back. Thank you so much for having me and for filling your listeners in a little bit. Market data provided by Factset. Can you talk to us a little bit about learning that part of the story, which I suspect his parents knew nothing about when he was over in Iraq? Monsoor died approximately 30 minutes later from wounds sustained from the blast. Mike Cirelli, one of the men he saved, named his son Michael Anthony after Michael Anthony Monsoor. He will safeguard our families, as he safeguarded his own family. Fausone: And again, that's the lesson to learn. Two other SEALs next to him at the time were injured by the explosion but survived. 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. Mountain Warfare Training Camp Michael Monsoor. When we're able to read about someone that we would aspire to be or someone who's done something really incredible it is just inspiring. Talk a little bit about the role and responsibility that goes with being that automatic weapon operator. Most of you probably have never heard of it, and we're going to tell it a little bit because Rose went through talking to all of his buddies in the Navy. Though he carried himself in a calm and composed fashion, he constantly led the charge to bring the fight to the enemy. 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 . His face is calm, almost smilingdespite the obvious chaos and danger around him. The four had been working with Iraqi soldiers providing sniper security while U.S. and Iraqi forces conducted missions in the area. Two SEALs next to Monsoor were injured . Some sort of bonding and love of your fellow man deepens in those situations. The guys talk about the weight you carry, the extra weight. 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 . Tell us about this day that will always be remembered. Funeral. Monsoor, a 25-year-old gunner, was killed in the explosion in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. Immediately, Monsoor yelled "Grenade!" 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. [1] He enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001 and graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training BUD/S class 250 in 2004. The Michael Monsoor, a Zumwalt-class destroyer, is docked in the San Diego Harbor at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado Island, Calif. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 10 AS ENEMY ACTIVITY INCREASED, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR TOOK POSITION WITH HIS MACHINE GUN BETWEEN TWO TEAMMATES ON AN OUTCROPPING OF THE ROOF. [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. And I'm like, who is this? ELEMENT SNIPERS THWARTED THE ENEMY'S INITIAL ATTEMPT BY ELIMINATING TWO INSURGENTS. He gave his life to protect comrades . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Death is everywhere. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. I think Michael probably got some of his good leadership principles from following along Lieutenant Commander Willink. 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. Just like Marine Corps Sgt Rafael Peralta before him he jumped on a grenade to save the lives of the other Navy Seals in his snipers nest:. 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. - Source Michael Anthony Monsoor was born on 5 April 1981 in Long Beach, CA, the third of four children born to George and Sally Monsoor. MASTER-AT-ARMS SECOND CLASS (SEA, AIR AND LAND) MICHAEL A. MONSOOR, MA2 MICHAEL A. MONSOOR, USN with sailors on his tour. I am so proud to be a part of this Band of Brothers. Legal Statement. [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. [3][5], Monsoor was described as a "quiet professional" and a "fun-loving guy" by those who knew him. On September 29, 2006, Ramadi, Iraq was considered the most dangerous city on planet earth for American servicemen. [2] His father also served in the United States military as a Marine. 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. One of them belongs to Michael Monsoor. It was this cool relationship, almost this Brotherhood camaraderie too, between this Navy chaplain priest and Michael. The guy who made this special box - almost like a shadow box, but it's a decorative box - he said, "No I want to do this, don't pay me a cent. 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. 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. He was one of the best men I've ever met and although we were merely colleagues, I still mourn his every Memorial Day and September 29th. Her prayers for her son are just a reflection of what every mother is doing when their boys are overseas, or daughters are overseas. Instead, he dropped onto the grenade to shield the others from the blast. It is the first Navy combat ship named for fallen Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor, who was posthumously . You have to ask yourself what makes a man do this. Michael died thirty minutes later, having made the ultimate sacrifice. Your act and demonstrated honor is a high standard for all of us. 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. The 610-foot, 15,000 ton USS Michael Monsoor is the U.S. Navy's second Zumwalt-class guided missile destroyer and named after fallen Navy SEAL. On May 9, 2006 Mike rescued a SEAL who was shot in the leg. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. Descripcin. And his story offers some perspective on the long war in Iraq and the chaos there today. Michael Monsoor was there in the midst of it all. His sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. Bullet holes cover the rubbled buildings. The slaps were reportedly heard across the cemetery. We worked hand-in-hand and one by one with his teammates. Multiple times that we shared in the book. Rea: Michael had a crazy deployment and super high tempo operating throughout the whole thing, and then they were finally starting to wind down after about six months. 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. by Norman Fulkerson May 22, 2008. But then they started to take fire which happened pretty fast, and ultimately, a grenade was thrown on the rooftop. Let's let certain things be, right? On January 26th, 2019, the Zumwalt class destroyer. And even the siblings of course, because they don't know all the operations he went on either. 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. JN-052022-5602908. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. I feel so honored that I was able to play a small role in now bringing his story to the world because George told me one of the reasons that finally got him to say yes was he said my son was so much more than just a boy who jumped on a grenade because that's what the average person in the public knew him as. A couple of hours later, an insurgency fighter closed on the overwatch position and threw a fragment grenade into the overwatch position which hit Monsoor in the chest before falling in front of him. 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. 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. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! During their deployment, Mike and his fellow SEALS came under enemy attack on 75 percent of their missions. Michael Monsoor is a hero for all the world to know about and appreciate. Copyright 2023 Navy SEALs. 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. He has an older brother James and older . Michael Monsoor joined the United States Navy in about March of 2001. 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. Rea: It's no small thing. Monsoor yelled, Grenade! and dropped on top of the grenade prior to it exploding. The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to. THE ENEMY CONTINUED TO ASSAULT THE ELEMENT, ENGAGING THEM WITH A ROCKET-PROPELLED GRENADE AND SMALL ARMS FIRE. On that day, Monsoor was part of a sniper overwatch security position with three other SEALs and eight Iraqi Army (IA) soldiers. SEAL snipers from his roof engaged two of them which resulted in one enemy wounded in action and one enemy killed in action. THE ENEMY CONTINUED TO ASSAULT THE ELEMENT, ENGAGING THEM WITH A ROCKET-PROPELLED GRENADE AND SMALL ARMS FIRE. Due to expected enemy action, the officer in charge repositioned him with his automatic heavy machine gun in the direction of the enemy's most likely avenue of approach. He deployed with his platoon to Iraq in April 2006 in support of OperationIraqi Freedom, and was assigned to Task Unit Bravo in Ar Ramadi. Upon graduation from basic training, he attended Quartermaster "A" School, and then transferred to Naval Air Station, Sigonella, Italy for a short period of time. Imperial Beach Outlying Landing Field. Taking Offense Religion, Art, and Visual Culture in Plural Configurations [21][22][23], Michael Monsoor is mentioned in the book of Rorke Denver "Damn Few: Making the Modern SEAL Warrior".[24]. A couple of powerful statements. They divided into two groups of four and they were providing bounding sniper overwatch for their Brothers in Arms. New guys are like the bottom of the barrel, right? Tell us about finding those guys and in some measure pulling the stories out to make "Defend Us in Battle.". And because of that, his men were able to get to safety. All morning long the overwatch position received harassment fire that had become a typical part of the day for the security team. He was a member of the elite branch of the Navy called SEALS, which stands for SEa, Air and Land. You record a conversation that George told you he had with Michael. [3] His father is of Lebanese and Irish descent, and his mother has Irish ancestry. Monsoor was born April 5, 1981, in Long Beach, California, the third of four children of Sally Ann (Boyle) and George Paul Monsoor. Instead, he threw himself onto the live grenade, shielding his fellow soldiers from the immediate explosion. Fausone: I think again, another very important part because of a mother's concern and pain you sort of mention. He never gave up. Really what Michael appreciated over there was strength. [5][6], Monsoor enlisted in the United States Navy on March 24, 2001, and attended Basic Training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois. 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. [7] After BUD/S, he completed advanced SEAL training courses including parachute training at Basic Airborne School, cold weather combat training in Kodiak, Alaska, and six months of SEAL Qualification Training in Coronado, California, graduating in March 2005. 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. 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. 29, 2006, when he was killed . When Mike died, a picture of him circulated the news. Rea: I don't think we'll ever understand, Jim. People want to know everything all the time. Rest in peace, Michael Monsoor. Clyde B. Jones Funeral Home and Versus Legal Attorneys-at-Law specially invite you to attend. His parents had no idea that he was operating on a nightly basis and the type of danger that he was in. Jim Fausone:We want to welcome to Veterans Radio today, Rose Rea. Mike and his platoon operated in a highly contested part of Ramadi city called the Ma'laab district. Monsoor died on Sept. 29, 2006, and was buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. It is the first Navy combat ship named for fallen Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions while serving in Ramadi, Iraq, in 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. IN THE EARLY MORNING, INSURGENTS PREPARED TO EXECUTE A COORDINATED ATTACK BY RECONNOITERING THE AREA AROUND THE ELEMENTS POSITION. 1927-2021. The hardened enemy was bent on destruction; they fought with ruthlessness, constantly on the attack with machine guns, mortars, grenades, and IEDs. And every day, brave men continued to push forward, into the fray. Twenty Gold Star families and four Medal of Honor recipients witnessed the second Zumwalt-class destroyer enter the fleet. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. It's still hard for the men he saved - I would say 100% they feel a sense of guilt. Market data provided by Factset. ALTHOUGH ONLY HE COULD HAVE ESCAPED THE BLAST, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR CHOSE INSTEAD TO PROTECT HIS TEAMMATES. 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. 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 . From the US Navy: Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael Anthony Monsoor. Michael just took all that on and he was never one to back down from anything. Monsoor was awarded the Silver Star for this action,[5][8] and was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Iraq. The 25-year-old California native died in 2006 . Silver Strand Training Complex. 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. I wasn't just a random person off the street. There's a healthy level of mystery or privacy. As shown at the end of the tribute video linked below, during Monsoor's funeral service, as the casket was taken from the hearse to the gravesite, fellow SEALs . He is survived by his mother Sally, his father George, his sister Sara, and his two brothers James and Joseph. As you tell the story in "Defend Us in Battle," it seemed like the guys knew he knew he was taking on this extra responsibility to have their back. It was such an honor and they felt safe with me because I wasn't just a reporter. Give us a little bit about how George is thinking about this, how the rest of the family is thinking about this? Most notably, the Army Infantry, Navy SEAL and Iraqi Army combined force helped to pacify the most violent city in Al Anbar province setting conditions for the Sunni Awakening. Rea: I know. Our strength is our brotherhood. [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. In September 2006, Michael laid down his life for his brothers in arms. 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. Margaret Louise Monsoor, our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away in her sleep on August 8, 2021. Ramadi had been a violent and intense area for a very strong and aggressive insurgency for some time. For those of us who were there, that picture of Mike captures all of this. The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest before falling to the ground. 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. Did you get that sense? This is what I said: Ladies and gentlemen. 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. [18], A SEAL training facilitylocated about 50 miles (80km) east of San Diegowas renamed Mountain Warfare Training Camp Michael Monsoor. USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001) will be commissioned into Navy service. He undoubtedly saved mine and the other SEALs lives, and we owe him., As Kristen Scharnberg of the ChicagoTribune summarized in tribute, The men who were there that day say they could see the options flicker across Michael Mansoors face: save himself or save the men he had long considered brothers. Petty Officer Monsoor was the Platoon Machine Gunner of an overwatch element, providing security for an Iraqi Army Brigade during counter-insurgency operations. The ultimate friend. 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. Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, 25, was killed in combat Sept. 29 in Ramadi, Iraq, west of Baghdad. Exploit isn't the right word - that happens right? Two SEALs next to Monsoor were injured; another who was 10 to 15 feet from the blast was unhurt. The U.S. Navy's newest vessel, a guided-missile destroyer named the USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001), commissioned on January 27, 2019. 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. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. Sally recently passed away, and they were married for 49 years, so that is very heartbreaking. The trapezoidal-shaped USS Michael Monsoor came to Naval Station Everett on Friday, where the ship . "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. After BUD/S, he completed advanced SEAL training courses including parachute training at Basic Airborne School, Fort Benning, Ga., cold weather combat training in Kodiak, Alaska, and six months of SEAL Qualification Training in Coronado, graduating in March 2005. "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. 120. 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. But fear is no match for my Faith. All rights reserved. You had winemakers make a special wine for him. 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.