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. While moving toward extraction, the Iraqi Army and Naval Special Warfare overwatch team received effective enemy automatic weapons fire resulting in one SEAL wounded in action. As I look at this picture, I hear a voice in a humble but confident tone. Don't consider yourself a loser. Ramadi had been a violent and intense area for a very strong and aggressive insurgency for some time. 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. 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. He was only the second SEAL to die in Iraq since the war began. Death is everywhere. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. This was one of the last missions, which is just even worse. Michael Monsoor is a hero for all the world to know about and appreciate. JN-052022-5602908. Instead, he dropped onto the grenade to shield the others from the blast. Additionally, a nearby mosque called insurgents to arms to fight Coalition Forces. Shortly thereafter, an enemy fighter shot a rocket-propelled grenade at his building. SEAL snipers from his roof engaged two of them which resulted in one enemy wounded in action and one enemy killed in action. Fausone: Go ahead and set us up for what happened on September 29, 2006 when Michael and three other snipers were there. Duval's Top 10 September real estate: Queen's Harbour Colonial goes for $3.5 million. 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. His leadership, guidance and decisive actions during 11 different combat operations saved the lives of his teammates, other Coalition Forces and Iraqi Army soldiers. He will safeguard our families, as he safeguarded his own family. THE ENEMY CONTINUED TO ASSAULT THE ELEMENT, ENGAGING THEM WITH A ROCKET-PROPELLED GRENADE AND SMALL ARMS FIRE. His life and unfortunate death are . 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 . This was a fitting send-off for a warrior hero. Anticipating further attacks, Monsoor, three SEAL snipers and three Iraqi Army soldiers took up a rooftop position. The 1,063 acre site has a firing range, an administration building, and a dormitory. 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. The ultimate friend. MASTER-AT-ARMS SECOND CLASS (SEA, AIR AND LAND) MICHAEL A. MONSOOR, MA2 MICHAEL A. MONSOOR, USN with sailors on his tour. Mike was one of the bravest men on the battlefield, never allowing the enemy to discourage him. "And when it was all over, the simple wooden coffin had become a gold-plated memorial to a hero who will never be forgotten.. 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. The U.S. Navy's newest vessel, a guided-missile destroyer named the USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001), commissioned on January 27, 2019. But we fight onfor the men to our left and rightwe fight on. He displayed great personal courage and exceptional bravery while conducting operations in enemy held territory at Ar Ramadi Iraq. His funeral in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego was attended by nearly every SEAL on the West Coast, President Bush said. Rea: It's so true. Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor was killed in battle in Iraq in September 2006, and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in April. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, fighting together. The overwatch couldnt tell where the RPG came from and didnt return fire.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. USSMichael Monsoor (DDG-1001), the second ship in the Zumwalt class of guided missile destroyers, was also named in his honor. One minute of prayer each night-Grass Roots Effort! So, Michael willingly volunteered to stay and continue operating. All of the rest of the men, three SEALs, and the Iraqi interpreters, survived because of what Michael did for them willingly. 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. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 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. 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. Monsoor yelled, Grenade! and dropped on top of the grenade prior to it exploding. Acting as the senior leader by leading a team of 3. 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 . I am far away from home. Michael the Archangel by Guido Reni, Santa Maria della Concezione, Rome, 1636. Naval Auxiliary Landing Field San Clemente Island. Two SEALs next to Monsoor were injured; another who was 10 to 15 feet from the blast was unhurt. Rea: It did after and he was able to say that to them when they met him after he had passed away. 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. 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. Just let them have their brother. Because there is nothing more important to me than my family. He wanted him, and to make sure anyone else who wanted to would get home, so he stayed. And from a mother's perspective, it's heartbreaking. BECOMING COUSTEAU Liz Garbus, Dan Cogan; COW Andrea Arnold, Kat Mansoor; FLEE Jonas Poher Rasmussen. Fausone: I've had the chance to write on and interview a number of chaplains. Our strength is our brotherhood. IN THE EARLY MORNING, INSURGENTS PREPARED TO EXECUTE A COORDINATED ATTACK BY RECONNOITERING THE AREA AROUND THE ELEMENTS POSITION. The grenade hit him in the chest and bounced onto the deck. I think that was the way that it was always meant to be. Rose, thanks for bringing this story to life and adding it to the library of literature on Medal of Honor recipients. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Her prayers for her son are just a reflection of what every mother is doing when their boys are overseas, or daughters are overseas. A couple of powerful statements. On September 29, 2006, Michael Monsoor and three SEAL snipers watched vigilantly for enemy activity from a rooftop post in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. I am so proud to be a part of this Band of Brothers. Who was I named after? He chose them. Home Haller Motorworx & Farm Equipment Magazine, AR 479 969-6464 This gun is nicknamed "The Pig" because of its squealing sound and because there's so much force when they're shooting it. 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. Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which was presented by President George W. Bush to Monsoor's parents on April 8, 2008. "The procession went on nearly half an hour," Bush said. All of the older guys get fun jobs. Together, we live in dust and dirt and filth. I've met him and interviewed him and now I get it. Over the years, many who have received the medal have given their lives in the action that earned it. Fausone: Again, it's one of those things that demonstrates his character. As we trained and prepared to deploy to Iraq, everyone learned that Mike was an incredible person. Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, 25, was killed in combat Sept. 29 in Ramadi, Iraq, west of Baghdad. Legal Statement. You had a chance to talk to some of these men. 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. Really what Michael appreciated over there was strength. 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). At his Oct. 12 funeral, as the e-mail states, Navy SEALs took their trident pins and pounded them . Ismaili community leaders continued to report concerns about what they called the exclusion of Ismailis from other positions of political authority. There is a lot that goes into naming the ship. 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. Portrait of Medal of Honor recipient Michael Monsoor. A very uneventful day at first, Jim. [18], A SEAL training facilitylocated about 50 miles (80km) east of San Diegowas renamed Mountain Warfare Training Camp Michael Monsoor. Thank-you again for Michael's service and your sacrifice. Funeral. Dunbar, Monsoor, SEALS, Monsoor funeral. The hardened enemy was bent on destruction; they fought with ruthlessness, constantly on the attack with machine guns, mortars, grenades, and IEDs. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Rea: I know. The men fighting alongside us in the streets are infantrymengrunts. And every day, brave men continued to push forward, into the fray. "He undoubtedly saved mine and the other SEALs'' lives, and we owe him." The vessel was adrift in the Gulf of Aden for three days due to an engine. - Source 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. 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. U.S. Navy via Getty Images . Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Forever the May Queen . 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. That picture says so much. As we approach the Anniversary of Mikey's sacrifice, I want to tell you about this man. [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. 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 their own uniform and slapped it onto his wooden coffin covering the whole coffin in golden tridents. Descripcin. When a grenade thrown by insurgents bounced off Michael's chest, he could have escaped. We're his siblings, just let us be. 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 . We were doing his wake after the funeral there. They were providing overwatch security while joint and combined forces were conducting missions in the area. The following month, his rating changed from Quartermaster to Master-at-Arms, and he was assigned to SEAL Team 3 Delta Platoon. [19], There is a U.S. I know because my father and brother were also gruntsproud Marine riflemen. 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. They really didn't - it was definitely something. In the following transcript, Veterans Radio host Jim Fausone talks with Rose about Michael, his family, his faith, and his sacrifice. Figure out what you need to do to get better and get through that challenge. He was a loyal friend and exceptional SEAL, and he is sorely missed by his brothers in Task Unit Bravo. Exploit isn't the right word - that happens right? [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. 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. 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. 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. 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. All morning long the overwatch position received harassment fire that had become a typical part of the day for the security team. 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. 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. AS ENEMY ACTIVITY INCREASED, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR TOOK POSITION WITH HIS MACHINE GUN BETWEEN TWO TEAMMATES ON AN OUTCROPPING OF THE ROOF. 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. Did you get that sense? For service as set forth in the following CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Automatic Weapons Gunner for Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 29 September 2006. Margaret Louise Monsoor, our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away in her sleep on August 8, 2021. You see those friendships that were deep in there. MASTER AT ARMS SECOND CLASS, SEA, AIR and LAND 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. 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 . But George got to talk to Michael and tell him, "Hey, don't be a hero" and Michael responded, "I have no regrets." How many times? 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. So it just marries together so many wonderful stories and memories. As suspected, his parents wouldn't have known about it but probably gave them great comfort once they learned. They had lost their son and it's been a lot. He continued to provide effective suppressive fire while simultaneously dragging the wounded SEAL to safety. 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. 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. He went back. Kirsten Wang. Commander, Navy Installations Command | 716 Sicard Street SE Suite 1000 | Washington DC, 20374-5140 Official U.S. Navy Website During the Battle of Ramadi, SEAL Team Three was sent to Ramadi, Iraq in April 2006 and assigned to train Iraqi Army soldiers. After further training he was assigned to Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3. Michael Monsoor, a Navy Seal, sacrificed his life for his buddies on Sept 29th. Those memories will always be within those children, which I love. : USS Michael Monsoor DDG-1001 2. The sad thing is that Michael was ready to die at any time and I'm sure a lot of those guys were, Jim. It represents the three aspects of SEAL special operations, sea, air, and land. Able to work in a promising business revenue and product pipeline organization. You quit. And while there is no way that a steel and iron ship can ever replace the flesh and blood that was Michael Monsoor, at the same time, there is no more fitting memorial to him than a warship. 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. They weren't Navy SEALs. Monsoor quickly smothered the grenade with his body, absorbing the resulting explosion and saving his comrades from serious injury or death. He was gifted at everything he did, hard-working, funny, and selfless. And then from George and Sally's perspective, knowing bits and pieces people do know. Monsoor enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001 and graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in 2004. . WHAT RUDDERLESS MILLENNIALS COULD LEARN FROM NAVY SEAL MICHAEL MONSOOR -- WHO GAVE HIS LIFE FOR OTHERS. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. 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 . You have to ask yourself what makes a man do this. 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. . Rea: Yeah. Petty Officer Second Class Michael Anthony Monsoor was born April 5, 1981 in Long Beach, Calif. Michael . [5], During an engagement on May 9, 2006, Monsoor ran into a street while under continuous insurgent gunfire to rescue an injured comrade. In April 2008, Michael Monsoor . Ahead of the ceremony, Master-At-Arms 2nd Cl. The thing is, for these boys who served with Michael, this matters to them, too, because their children want to know who Uncle Mikey was. It is heart breaking to hear that, he is gone. 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 . It is my honor to make it for him." On May 9, 2006 Mike rescued a SEAL who was shot in the leg. The trapezoidal-shaped USS Michael Monsoor came to Naval Station Everett on Friday, where the ship . Upon graduation from basic training, he attended Master At Arms "A" School. I love my country, my fellow SEALs, and the men fighting alongside us. People want to know everything all the time. Rose, how did you get involved in helping write and shape this book? May 7, 1976 - June 28, 2005. 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. by Norman Fulkerson May 22, 2008. [6], On September 29, 2006, Monsoor's platoon engaged four insurgents in a firefight in Ramadi, killing one and injuring another. 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. May the Lord comfort you. Michael Anthony Monsoor (5 April 1981 - 29 September 2006) was a U.S. Navy SEAL killed during the Iraq War. All morning long the overwatch position received harassment fire that had become a typical part of the day for the security team. 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. He has an older brother James and older sister Sara, and a younger brother Joseph. I think Michael probably got some of his good leadership principles from following along Lieutenant Commander Willink. All rights reserved. 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. 29, 2006, when he was killed . On that day, Monsoor was part of a sniper overwatch security position with three other SEALs and eight Iraqi Army (IA) soldiers. 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. It is a city devastated by war. Rea: Well, they're super private, so even the children are not a big fan of media and they didn't want to really be involved in this book at the time. 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. It was communion, it was Eucharist, it was confession. The trident is a U.S. Navy special warfare badge worn by SEALs. 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. 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. It's not always a religious thing, sometimes it's just that you have somebody safe you can express your fears with. He's such a cool dude, he's so masculine, so strong, and he was there. 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? 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. Fausone: And again, that's the lesson to learn. [2] His father also served in the United States military as a Marine. May the Lord continue to comfort you. I just thought that was so incredible. Instead, knowing what the outcome would be, he fell on the grenade to save the others from harm. Who has the courage to do that?