Medal of Honor: Michael A. Monsoor, Iraq War, September 29, 2006

Name: Michael A. Monsoor
Rank: Master-At-Arms Second Class (SEAL)
War: Iraq War
Date of Action: September 29, 2006
Unit: SEAL Team 3, Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula
Accredited to: Garden Grove, California

Summary of Action
On a rooftop in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, Monsoor manned his machine gun alongside two teammates, guarding their overwatch position against waves of insurgent attack. The enemy struck with grenades, rockets, and small arms fire, trying to dislodge the SEAL element. In the chaos, an unseen fighter hurled a grenade that struck Monsoor in the chest and dropped at his feet. With a split-second choice, Monsoor knew he could escape—but his teammates, pinned beside him, could not. Without hesitation, he hurled himself onto the grenade, shielding his brothers from the blast. The explosion killed him instantly, but his two teammates survived. His selfless act, taken in an instant of pure devotion, preserved the lives of others and etched his name into the highest traditions of Navy valor.

Medal of Honor Citation
MONSOOR, MICHAEL A.
Rank and organization: Master-At-Arms Second Class, SEAL Team 3, Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula, U.S. Navy. Place and Date: Ar Ramadi, Iraq, 29 September 2006. Entered Service at: Garden Grove, CA. Born: 5 April 1981, Long Beach, California. 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 in SEAL Team 3, 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.