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Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor



Early Life

Michael A. Monsoor was born April 5, 1981 in Long Beach, California. He was the third of four children born to George and Sally Monsoor. Michael grew up in Garden Grove, Calif., as the third of four children of George and Sally Monsoor. He has an older brother James and older sister Sara, and a younger brother Joseph.  His father George Monsoor had been in the United States military as a Marine.





















When he was a child, Michael Monsoor was afflicted with asthma, but he strengthened his lungs by racing his siblings in the family's swimming pool. 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. He graduated in 1999.

Michael Monsoor is of Lebanese Christian descent on his father's side and Irish by way of his mother's side.

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. An incredible athlete, Mike enjoyed snowboarding, body boarding, spear fishing, motorcycle riding, and driving his Corvette. His quiet demeanor and dedication to his friends matched the “Silent Warrior” SEAL mentality that was to become his calling in life.


Military Service





















Michael enlisted in the U.S. Navy March 21, 2001, and attended Basic Training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois. 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.

He entered the Basic Underwater Demolitions School (BUD/S) and graduated from Class 250 on September 2, 2004 as one of the top performers in his class.


SEAL Training





















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. The following month, his rating changed from Quartermaster to Master-at-Arms, and he was assigned to Delta Platoon, SEAL Team Three.


Iraq Deployment
Michael deployed with his platoon to Iraq in April 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and was assigned to Task Unit Bravo in Ar Ramadi.


























Michael Monsoor was part of a dedicated team fighting the insurgency in Iraq, supporting the U.S. in its efforts to bring peace and stability to that country. 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.

From April to Sept. 29, 2006, Michael Monsoor served as a heavy weapons machine gunner in Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3. 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. He was also a SEAL communicator. On operations, he carried a rucksack full of communications equipment in addition to his machinegun and full ammunition load-out.

All of this weighed more than 100 pounds. He bore the weight without complaing, even in the 130 degree Western Iraqi summer. The team was frequently involved in engagements with insurgent fighters.



















During an engagement on May 9, 2006, Monsoor ran into a street while under continuous insurgent gunfire to rescue an injured comrade. Monsoor was awarded the Silver Star for this action and was also awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Iraq.

During the first five months of deployment, the team reportedly killed 84 insurgents.

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.

Petty Officer Monsoor was subsequently awarded the Bronze Star as the Task Unit Ramadi, Iraq Combat Advisor from April to September 2006. His leadership, guidance and decisive actions during 11 different combat operations saved the lives of his teammates, other Coalition Forces and Iraqi Army soldiers.



























On September 29, 2006, Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor 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 stronghold for insurgents.

In the morning, his team observed four enemy fighters armed with AK-47s reconnoitering from roads in the sector to conduct follow-on attacks. SEAL snipers from his roof engaged two of them which resulted in one enemy wounded in action and one enemy killed in action. A mutually supporting SEAL/IA position also killed an enemy fighter during the morning hours. 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.





















In the early afternoon, enemy fighters attacked his position with automatic weapons fire from a moving vehicle. The SEALs fired back and stood their ground. Shortly thereafter, an enemy fighter shot a rocket-propelled grenade at his building. 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.

Due to expected enemy action, the SEAL officer in charge repositioned Michael Monsoor with his automatic heavy machine gun in the direction of the enemy’s most likely avenue of approach. He placed him in a small, confined sniper hide-out sight between two SEAL snipers on an outcropping of the roof, which allowed the three SEALs maximum coverage of the area. Petty Officer Michael Monsoor was located closest to the egress route out of the sniper ide-out. sight watching for enemy activity through a tactical periscope over the parapet wall.





















While They were vigilantly watching for enemy activity, when an enemy fighter hurled a hand grenade onto the roof from an unseen location. The grenade hit Michael Monsoor in the chest and bounced onto the deck. 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. Without any hesitation and showing no regard for his own life, Michael Monsoor  threw himself onto the grenade, smothering it to protect his teammates who were lying in close proximity. The grenade detonated as he came down on top of it, mortally wounding him.

Michael Monsoor died approximately 30 minutes after the incident from injuries sustained by the grenade blast.

Also due to Michael Monsoor’s selfless actions, the fourth man of the SEAL squad who was 10-15 feet from the blast, was unhurt. 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. He undoubtedly saved mine and the other SEALs’ lives, and we owe him.”

In an interview at the SEALs' West Coast headquarters in Coronado, four members of the special force remembered "Mikey" as a loyal friend and a quiet, dedicated professional."He was just a fun-loving guy," said a 26-year-old petty officer 2nd class who went through the grueling 29-week SEAL training with Monsoor. "Always got something funny to say, always got a little mischievous look on his face."

Other SEALS described the Garden Grove, Calif., native as a modest and humble man who drew strength from his family and his faith. His father and brother are former Marines, said a 31-year-old petty officer 2nd class.

Though Michael Monsoor carried himself in a calm and composed fashion, he constantly led the charge to bring the fight to the enemy. His teammates recall his sense of loyalty to God, family, and his team. 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.

Michael Monsoor was one of the bravest men on the battlefield, never allowing the enemy to discourage him. He remained fearless while facing constant danger, and through his selfless nature and ggressive actions, saved the lives of coalition soldiers and his fellow SEALs.


Honors and Awards


























Military Awards:
       
US Navy SEALs Insignia
Medal of Honor
Silver Star
Bronze Star Medal w/ V device    
Purple Heart Medal    
Combat Action Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal    
Iraq Campaign Medal    
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon


The Medal of Honor



















Sally and George Monsoor receive their son Michael Monsoor's Medal of Honor from President George W. Bush.
Michael Monsoor's parents, Sally and George Monsoor, received Michael's Medal of Honor on his behalf at an April 8, ceremony at the White House which was held by President George W. Bush.

Michael Monsoor became the fourth American servicemember and second Navy SEAL to receive the United States' highest military award during the War on Terrorism.























Citation:


Michael A. Monsoor's Medal of Honor pictured with the Navy Special Warfare (SEAL) Trident.

"The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting

the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to

MASTER AT ARMS SECOND CLASS, SEA, AIR and LAND
MICHAEL A. MONSOOR
United States Navy

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. 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. Element snipers thwarted the enemy'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."
















Silver Star Citation:

"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. Petty Officer Monsoor was the Platoon Machine Gunner of an overwatch element, providing security for an Iraqi Army Brigade during counter-insurgency operations. 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. Immediately, Petty Officer Monsoor, with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to heavy enemy fire in order to provide suppressive fire and fight his way to the wounded SEAL's position.

He continued to provide effective suppressive fire while simultaneously dragging the wounded SEAL to safety. Petty Officer Monsoor maintained suppressive fire as the wounded SEAL received tactical casualty treatment to his leg. He also helped load his wounded teammate into a High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle for evacuation, then returned to combat. 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."






















Bronze Star Citation:

"For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as Task Unit Ramadi, Iraq, Combat Advisor for Naval Special Warfare Task Group – Arabian Peninsula in Support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from April to September 2006. On 11 different operations, Petty Officer Monsoor exposed himself to heavy enemy fire while shielding his teammates with suppressive fire. He aggressively stabilized each chaotic situation with focused determination and uncanny tactical awareness. 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. His selfless, decisive, heroic actions resulted in 25 enemy killed and saved the lives of his teammates, other Coalition Forces and Iraqi Army soldiers.

By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty, Petty Officer Monsoor reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."


USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001)



















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 USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001) in honor of Petty Officer Monsoor.


Michael Monsoor’s Funeral




















Michael Monsoor’s body was laid to rest at Rosecrans National Cemetery, In San Diego , California. He is survived by his mother Sally, his father George, his sister Sara, and his two brothers James and Joseph Monsoor.






















The Six military pallbearers removed his Rosewood Casket from the hearse. Lined Up On Each Sides Of Michael Monsoor’s Casket, were his Family Members, Friends, Fellow Sailors, and Well-wishers.

The two columns of people started from the hearse, and stretched all the way to the grave site. What those who were gathered there, were not aware of was that there was a group of  Navy Seals that were scattered through-Out the two columns.

As the pallbearers carried the Rosewood Casket down between the two Columns Of People to the grave side. As they passed, the two columns would collapse and form a group of people that followed behind the casket.

Every time the Rosewood Casket passed a Navy Seal, he would remove his Gold Trident Pin from his uniform, and slap it down hard, causing the Gold Trident pin to embed itself jnto the top Of The wooden casket. Then, the Navy Seal would step back from the column, and Salute!



















It was reported that for nearly 30 minutes you could hear each one of the slaps clear across the cemetery. By the time that Michael Monsoor’s Rosewood Casket reached the grave site, it looked as though it had a Gold Inlay from the 45 Trident Pins that now lined its top.











(After a Trainee completes the Basic Navy Seals Program which lasts for three weeks. He then takes the Qualification Training, which is 15 more weeks Of training. He continues improving his basic skills and is requiredto learn new tactics and techniques. After he has successfully completed the program, the trainee is given his Naval Enlisted Code, and is awarded The Navy Seal Trident Pin. That Gold Trident Pin indicates that The trainee is now officially a Navy Seal!)


Michael Monsoor had expected to return in another week to see his family and watch his 21-year-old brother play in an upcoming football game at North Dakota’s Minot State University, where he is a junior and tight end.

Although they chatted on the telephone, the last time the brothers saw one another was during spring break. That was when they drove cross-country to the university and Michael spoke about the discipline it took to overcome pain during his first SEAL training, which he had to quit.

“Michael had a broken heel and he still had to pass more physical tests,” his brother said. “He was running hard in sand and the pain mounted, but he told himself, ‘Don't pass out, I can't pass out.’ But he couldn’t continue.

“He rang the bell,” his brother said, a signal that a trainee has quit the program.Michael Monsoor stayed in the Navy and waited for another chance. He was assigned to Europe for two years, and when his mother, Sally, visited him in Italy, she said she found him to be focused, “working out, swimming and running,” so he could reenter the SEAL program.

The first Navy SEAL to die in Iraq was Petty Officer 2nd Class Marc A. Lee, 28, who was killed Aug. 2 in a firefight while on patrol against insurgents in Ramadi. Navy spokesman Lt. Taylor Clark said the low number of deaths among SEALs in Iraq is a testament to their training.

Sixteen SEALs have been killed in Afghanistan. Eleven of them died in June 2005 when a helicopter was shot down near the Pakistan border while ferrying reinforcements for troops pursuing al-Qaida militants.

There are about 2,300 of the elite fighters, based in Coronado and Little Creek, Virginia.

The Navy is trying to boost that number by 500 - a challenge considering more than 75 percent of candidates drop out of training, notorious for "Hell Week," a five-day stint of continual drills by the ocean broken by only four hours sleep total. Michael Monsoor made it through training on his second attempt.




























As Kristen Scharnberg of the Chicago Tribune wrote in tribute, “The men, who were there that day, say they could see the options flicker across Michael Mansoor’s face: save himself or save the men he had long considered brothers. He chose them.”