Exceptional Courage: Michael Monsoor

Last week, General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker delivered their highly-anticipated testimony to Congress on the situation in Iraq. But with the media and the nation focused on these tense hours in Washington, another story about an American SEAL in Iraq went largely unnoticed.

On Tuesday, President Bush posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor -- the nation's highest decoration for military valor -- to Petty Officer Second Class Michael A. Monsoor. A Navy SEAL who served in Ramadi in 2006, Monsoor surrendered his own life to save the members of his team. On Saint Michael's Day -- September 29, 2006 -- Michael, two fellow SEALs, and three Iraqi Army soldiers were positioned on a rooftop when a grenade bounced off his chest and landed nearby. Unlike his team, Michael could have escaped the blast. Instead and without hesitation, he dove on the grenade, absorbing the explosion and saving the lives of his friends. For his exceptional courage and tremendous personal sacrifice, Michael Monsoor became the fourth Medal of Honor recipient in the War on Terror.

But Petty Officer Monsoor was no stranger to heroism. In May 2006, he and another SEAL risked their lives under hostile fire to save a wounded teammate. Michael simultaneously returned fire with one hand, while helping to pull his injured comrade to safety with the other. For his actions, he would earn the Silver Star.

Sometimes it's easy for us to forget the individual acts of extraordinary bravery during these wars. But it's incredibly important that we take the time to remember them -- not as a way to politicize the war, but as a reminder of the amazing sacrifices being made every day by our troops on the battlefield and their families back home.

Michael Monsoor was a true American hero we can all be proud of. Please share his story with your family and friends, and remind them of the courageous and selfless men and women serving our country in the Armed Forces.

Comments

[floydSmoot]

As always, thank you for the post Paul.
However, in this instance I must disagree with one thing.
This exceptionally brave American did not die "in The War on Terror." He died during an illegal occupation of a sovereign nation. We must be diligent not conflate the two.
Of course, this sad fact in no way detracts from his honor nor my deep gratitude for his service.

Respectfully,
floyd

[ReasonIsMyReligion]

Jon and Paul,

I know this is OT, but please consider a column on the following:

Hidden Danger: Soldiers Dying From Electrocution
A Dozen Soldiers Have Died From Accidental Electrocution in Iraq, Says Congressman
http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=4489783&page=1

"[The mother of a soldier who died in January 2008] claims that KBR had been aware of the problems with the electrical system at the complex since February 2007, citing reports from the contractor and the Army's Criminal Investigation Division she was shown during meetings with Army personnel."

Eleven plus months of prior notice?

As a Professional Engineer let me say, this isn't war, it's CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE.

[newworldman777]

This post allows us to pause for a moment of reflection regarding the tremendous sacrifices that our troops and their families are making in Iraq and Afghanistan. These sacrifices are separate from the deplorable politics that took us there to begin with. Petty Officer Monsoor's final act was an ultimate expression of utter selflessness -- a noble choice, resulting in the loss of his life, that defied the most basic human instinct of self preservation. What an honorable young man, whose actions are perhaps proof that "the greatest generation" (WW2 vets) has equal rivals among today's youth.

Here in Greenwood, Mississippi, one of our own local residents -- John A. Pittman -- was also a Medal of Honor recipient. While serving as a sergeant in the Korean War in 1950, he was ordered to retake lost terrain. He led his squad into enemy fire, and when an enemy grenade landed among his men, he threw himself onto it (like Monsoor), saving many lives. Though grievously wounded, he survived and lived until 1995. His portrait graced the cover of Life magazine in 1951, yet he remained a humble man, shunning publicity until his death.

The soldiers, like these two men, who fight our wars, share a common trait of nobility that is obviously lacking among those in Washington who create war.

[NightRider]

Thank you Petty Officer Second Class Michael A. Monsoor.

Thanks Paul!

[John Bruhns - Huffpost Blogger]

See John Bruhns's Profile

Excellent post

[Marichu]

There are many that use our advances in technology, medicine, communication, space exploration, genetics, and so on, to gauge our ascending evolution as a species. Yet this selfless act, a willingness without hesitation, to accept death so that others may live, is a truer indicator.
My condolences to Michael Monsoor's family, friends, and colleagues.

[Robert59]

What's sad Paul is how Bush politicized PO2 Monsoor's death. What a coincidence timing the presentation of the medal to Petraeus and Crocker appearing before Congress? Just like with Private Lynch or Corporal Tillman this administration, to include its enablers within the DoD, have taken heroes or made heroes out of them to further their cause.

Presenting the MoH at that time was to mobilize Bush's base, not to recognize a great American's valor.

Admiral Mullen should have interceded and asked the president to present the medal before or after the P&C's visit.

This administration's propoganda machine would fill Hitler with envy. They have told lie after lie and still there are Americans who believe. No wonder televangelists are able to rake in millions. America is a nation of suckers.

I know you're an advocate for those who served, but my crusade is now energy independence. We might still be in Iraq but it would be for real reason, national security, not access to the black gold under all that sand.

[gonavy]

HuffPost's Pick

Thank you, Paul, for this fine article honoring Michael Monsoor.

[gonavy]

Michael Monsoor went unnoticed HERE, on this site. His service and sacrifice was honored on many, many other blogs.

BUT NOT HERE.

His name was mentioned in an article that was meant to smear McCain and the comments that followed were disgraceful.

[JulieSA]

Thank you, Paul, for honoring Michael Monsoor. It's true that the heroism and accomplishments of our armed forces are being given short shrift in the media. I'm glad people like you and others on the internet are trying to make up for that. One of my favorite running features on the internet is Blackfive's "Someone You Should Know" series.

[ReasonIsMyReligion]

Congressional Medal of Honor Society:
http://www.cmohs.org/

Listings by War:
http://www.history.army.mil/moh.html


"There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty, that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism."
-- Alexander Hamilton

[mjjcpa]

God bless this great American hero and his family.

[desmirl]

Thanks for telling us about this true American hero.

[peonyharp]

"Sometimes it's easy for us to forget the individual acts of extraordinary bravery during these wars. But it's incredibly important that we take the time to remember them -- not as a way to politicize the war, but as a reminder of the amazing sacrifices being made every day by our troops on the battlefield and their families back home."

As always, you keep the focus on the truth, Paul. Thank you for your efforts on behalf of Our Veterans.
~Kristine

[SEQUOIABISON]

Please enough Hero worship of our Military attack dogs, it is unseemly and meaningless hogwash.

A Bush Ploy performed the same day Petraeus was testifying before congress on how well things are going in Iraq, useless phony propaganda.

What we need are Hero's who speak out against the atrocities our Star Wars attired gladiators are causing where ever they go, like Abu Graib. Lets give medals to those who refuse to kill and humiliate innocent civilians.

Personally I do not feel the Military is doing anything to protect me, since the Iraqi people were never a threat to America. Perhaps it is the corporations that should be grateful to these so-called hero's since they are protecting their financial interests.

[gonavy]

Military attack dogs? Have you seem the faces of these military attack dogs? Have you seen them bid farwell to their families? Have you seem the fear and anguish in their faces as they leave their mothers, their spouses, their children?

Clearly you have not. Your angry rants only discredit any point you were attempting to make.

[desmirl]

If you want to be angry at, and disdainful of, the people (Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, etc.) who got us into this mess, then you are in good company here. However, to demean young men and women who pledged--on their honor--to defend this nation from all enemies--even at the cost of their own lives--is tasteless and pathetic. These young people do not get to choose their wars--our leaders do, and our leaders are corrupt. Point your anger at those who are responsible for the mess in Iraq.

[ReasonIsMyReligion]

You only dishonor yourself.

The timing of the announcement of the award may be political. That's on the White House. But you disparaged the soldier.

For shame.

[kirkk]

Yes, I'm sure that Mr. Monsoor was thinking "I've got to protect the financial interests of the corporations" as he dove onto that grenade. It's very appropriate that you warn us about this "meaningless hogwash" as your post illustrates that you are truly a master of it.

[lizzytysh]

Thank you so much for this moving account. I had heard about it on NPR; however, it is definitely NOT getting the coverage it is due. This man's heroic actions deserve only the best.

[scepticalobserver]

The word hero gets tossed around so much that it has almost become meaningless. Thank you for this reminder of what true heroism looks like.

[MGhamma]

Thanx Paul for reminding us all of the valor and bravery of these young soldiers who are stuck in this impossible situation. But I have to wonder where all the conservitives are that come here to thump their chests and proclaim how patriotic they are and how much they "support the troops",TM. Why aren't they here, commenting on the actions of this exempliary soldier? I guess it's not worth putting out the effort unless they can call us libruls stoopid.

[marla219]

Thanks for reminding us all of the sacrifices our soldiers continue to make. I wish people would focus less on the latest political gaffe in primary campaign and more on stories like this. How petty we seem.

[Jeradlangley]

You are an impressive and proper representative for your brother and sister service members. I would just like to add that the reason this story went largely unnoticed is because our (still) President attempted to distract some attention away from the hearings. This ceremony could have been the week before or after on a day the Presidents policies in Iraq weren't being scrutinized. That might have given this brave and noble SEAL the attention he deserved.

[newshawk14]

Paul, I've always appreciated your appearances on MSNBC, and feel that you have articulated the
view of those in harms way. I think the time has arrived to call those who have got us in this mess,
and continue to defend it, lying murderers as well as incompetent buffoons.

[HAP]

The memory of the righteous is a blessing.

[Beowoof]

Absolutely! To sacrifice himself at moments notice is the most noble honor in life. Thanks Paul for always focusing on life before politics.

[veteran1964]

Paul, at least now he is with the other heroes of the past and present. It is sad to see this useless war killing so many of our good kids. If it was a war to actually stop terrorists acts, I would be for it, but to see the useless killing of these proud young people hurts my heart. I cannot see how the Iraqi people can build a "sand-plane" and attack the U.S. I am so tired of "fear politics" a a whimper from the President when he passes out the medals. He should be on his knees begging for forgiveness for this useless unending war.
My family of veterans will keep Michael Monsoor's memory in our hearts forever. The brave hardly ever live, and that's why they receive our high praise.

Jim McCoy & Family
Franklin, N.C.

[deminmo]

The problem is that Iraq has become a distant
war. The financial problems of individuals and
financial institutions, and the Presidential
candidates, have become news.
We don't see the funerals. We don't see the
tears of the families, and we certainly don't
know about the stories of the fallen troops.
That is the real tragedy.