WASHINGTON
Back in high school in Garden Grove, Calif., tight end Mike Monsoor was the kind of player who always looked out for his teammates.
He wasn't terribly talented but "he came out every day and gave you everything he had," said Kris Van Hook, his coach. "If he wasn't going to be the starter, he was going to make sure the guy across from him was going to be better because of the way he practiced."
So when Van Hook read about how Monsoor, a petty officer second class, died in Iraq 18 months ago, he was grief-stricken but not particularly surprised. Monsoor threw himself on a grenade to save two Navy special warfare teammates.
"You never think any kid is going to be that brave, but if any kid was going to do that, it was going to be Michael," Van Hook said Monday.
Monsoor's sacrifice earned him the nation's highest military honor on Monday, as the White House announced that he'll be awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously at a ceremony next week.
He will be the fifth service member to receive the award for valor during fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Monsoor's death on Sept. 29, 2006, came as he and other members of Delta platoon in the Navy's SEAL Team Three, based in Coronado, Calif., were acting as a security team for Iraqi army forces under attack by insurgent fighters.
Monsoor and two other SEALs were positioned on a rooftop near the southern edge of the city of Ramadi, with a view of insurgent movements in the street and nearby buildings, said Lt. Cmdr. Seth Stone, his commanding officer.
Stone said Monsoor's group and other SEALs in a similar position nearby had come under fire from small arms and rocket-propelled grenades. They had killed at least two insurgents with sniper fire when one of the enemy got close enough to toss a grenade onto the roof.
The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest, falling at his feet. "He could easily have ducked around the corner," using a wall to shield himself, Stone said, but instead yelled to his teammates and then threw himself on the grenade as it exploded.
The 25-year-old Monsoor had already been awarded a Silver Star in Iraq. In a firefight with insurgents in Ramadi's Ma'laab district on May 9, he and another SEAL ran into an open street to rescue a fallen comrade. An official account of the incident described how Monsoor dragged the wounded SEAL to safety as enemy bullets bounced off the concrete at his feet.
Sara Monsoor, Michael's older sister, said the family was taken by surprise when Michael announced plans to join the Navy shortly after graduating from high school in 1999. Their father, George, had been a Marine, and older brother Jim followed his dad into the Corps.
But Michael never talked much about his plans, she said. "There was no mention whatsoever" about his desire to become a SEAL until he told the family he intended to enlist, Sara said.
Sara Monsoor described Michael as someone who thought carefully about almost everything he did, even as a child. He had a mischievous side, she said. "There was one particular look he would get, and we knew he was up to something."
Once he got to Iraq, Michael rarely talked about the missions and the dangers that went with them, Sara said. He complained sometimes about the heat and "gave us the impression that he was just training Iraqis."
She added that she believes he was attracted to the SEALs by the elite nature of the teams and their work. "There's a lot of dedication and hard work that goes into it. That was important to him."
Dale Eisman, (703) 913-9872, dale.eisman@pilotonline.com
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Falconski
I always read, but rarely post comments, but I must say that for the first time I agree completely with you. You could not have said it any better. Thank you.
Response
My heart always goes out to the families of those who have died or wounded, but I hate this war.
Don and George
I agree with Lores, this is not the forum for what you're dishing out. I personally disagree with the war, however, this article is about a hero of the level most of us will never even be able to comprehend. Whenever I walk thru Arlington, hear the national anthem or read an article like this, I put my personal political beliefs aside and focus the moment on the hero and their loved ones. Ever war ever fought has been over economics and that's that. However, heroism is about doing something you believe in with no thought for self. So, how about not thinking about yourself, Don and George, and think about what this guy did and why he did it. This article isn't about George Bush, it's about a hero.
Why must you people come
Why must you people come here for any reason other then to honor this fallen hero? Find a different place to make your political points.
Every man and woman
Every man and woman who has served in this war of lies should get the highest medal of valor.
Photo tribute of Petty Officer Monsoor
I ask of each reader to view the photo gallery tribute to this fine young man posted on www.news.navy.mil Its not so much about his SEAL experiences, which I am very proud of those who are, but of Petty Officer Monsoor's growing up as a young man and being amongst his family, friends and shipmates. Its a great slideshow of this American Hero. I agree with the other post. The parents raised a fine young man. God bless him and his family.
Rest in Peace
My thoughts and prayers go out to Michael's family. His dedication and honor to his country is most exemplified.
Rest In Peace...
...Michael! My most sincere condolences to family, friends and fellow SEAL Team members. Another SEAL takes the eternal watch! May God Bless him and hold him close!
RIP, Michael
Another of our best and brightest sacrifices himself for his fellows. My sincere condolences go out to his family and friends. And my eternal thanks to Michael for his service and to his folks, who raised him right! I hope some people in "The District" can learn how it really is and what they are asking (ordering) our troops to do. After all, the most danger some have seen is a potential paper cut or, at worst, a sore throat. My personal cynicism aside, please visit this website, http://www.history.army.mil and click on the "Medal of Honor" tab. I assure you it is very solemn and moving.
RIP, Michael.
Since when do our elite SEALS act as Iraqi army infantry? My heart goes out to the family of this hero, but why did he have to die? Why was he part of a "security team for Iraqi army forces under attack by insurgent fighters"? Where were the Iraqi army riflemen and snipers? Why our SEALs? That's not part of their true mission. They are the best of the best in special ops; they are not supposed to be nursemaids to Iraqi soldiers.
Are we so thinly stretched that we are using our SEALS to carry water for the Iraqis, who've had five years to learn how to fight, and still, for the most part, don't get it?
It's time to let the Iraqis fight their own fight, or have them throw in the towel. I don't care if George Bush loses face. Better that, than we lose one more of our own in their civil war. Rest in peace, Michael.
Posthumously Awarded MOH
While I'm glad that he is receiving the Medal Of Honor, I am saddened that he will never know about it..He certainly deserves it for his bravery & sacrifice to save his comrades..RIP
Michael Monsoor
I hope this valiant SEAL's sacrifice was meaningful beyond saving two fellow soldiers lives. I hope the world will be a safer, more harmonious place after all the lives lost in Afghanistan and Iraq...remember the song by Supertramp, "Dreamer, you're nothing but a dreamer..."
BRAVE MAN
This man and men like him is what makes our country great! But am I the only one who thinks so? Everyone is worried about the new chief of police in Chesapeake ? Is that what all the readers are worried about?
Shame on all you who have the time to comment about that and not this.
The family of this brave seal should be very proud.He may have not been a leader by rank but HE WAS A LEADER BY EXAMPLE