"Immeasurable Courage and Uncommon Valor"-- Sgt. First Class Jared C. Monti

Courage, sacrifice, hero—three words thrown around carelessly these days. Politicians that cross party lines to force compromise on the divisive issues of our day are labeled “courageous.” A professional athlete that makes a bold play, leading his team to victory is deemed “heroic.” An actor who forgoes a big paycheck for the summer blockbuster to work on a small budget documentary is seen as making a “sacrifice.” Don’t get me wrong, these acts are worthy of admiration. But for a nation at war, using these terms irresponsibly does a big disservice to those that serve. 

Last Thursday, we were reminded of what true courage, sacrifice, and heroism is all about. At a private White House ceremony, worlds away from the polarizing health care fight and the latest Kanye West stunt, President Obama posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor to the family of Sergeant First Class Jared C. Monti. The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest decoration for military valor. It’s received, not won. And it’s a distinction so rare that in 150 years, less than 3,500 servicemembers have received it. To put it in perspective, this is less than the number of troops that have bravely given their lives during the Iraq war.

Sgt. Monti was only the sixth recipient of the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, all posthumously.

Like those honored before him, Sgt. Monti is to be revered for his exceptional bravery and tremendous personal sacrifice. At age 17, before he was eligible to vote, Monti enlisted in the Army. Returning from his first tour in Afghanistan, he was already highly decorated with the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal for valor. A consummate soldier, and equally humble, his own father didn’t know Monti received the Bronze Star until he found it resting, tucked away in his son’s drawer.

But the day that would come to define his gallant service and leave a legacy beyond what many of us could fathom occurred on June 21, 2006 in Gowardesh, Afghanistan, near the Pakistan Border. Sgt. Monti was in charge of a 16-man patrol from the 3rd Squadron of the 71st Calvary Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division. Positioned on a mountaintop, Monti’s team was swarmed by Taliban fighters. While engaging the enemy, Monti simultaneously radioed for help, until he saw that one of his men, Pvt. Brian Bradbury was badly injured, and exposed to enemy fire.

Sgt. Monti’s patrol leader volunteered to rescue Pvt. Bradbury, but Monti insisted he be the one to go, saying: “No, he is my soldier, I’m going to get him.” Despite the intense enemy gunfire, Monti ran into the open and attempted twice to retrieve his wounded comrade. On his third try, he was cut down by a rocket-propelled grenade, and died shortly thereafter. His actions in that moment, however inspired his men to thwart the Taliban fighters, thanks in part to the air support Monti had called for before his death.

This past Sunday would have been Monti’s 34th birthday.

Three days before Jared’s death, I had the honor of meeting his cousin Michelle. Since his death, I’ve been struck by the resilience of Sgt. Monti’s family, and their love for him. A strength and affection that was also evident in Sgt. Monti’s final moments, as he told his men to, “Tell my family I love them.”

In his remarks on Thursday, President Obama said, “It was written long ago that ‘the bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet, notwithstanding, go out to meet it.’ Jared Monti saw the danger before him. And he went out to meet it.”

Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Cunningham, a member of Monti’s team, put it more simply, “It was pure courage and love for his soldier.”

To his family, our nation owes a debt we can never truly repay. But we can promise to never forget the courage, sacrifice, and heroism that Sgt. Monti represents, and continue to honor all those that have worn this country’s uniform.

Crossposted at www.IAVA.org.

 

 

Follow Paul Rieckhoff on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PaulRieckhoff

Comments

[demfriend]

It is sad to think the media has turned it's attention away from the soldiers and the war once again the decisions fall to those who control what they think we should pay attention to not what we need to know. It's no wonder the troops believe we care too little about what is happening to them as we have been in a strangle hold based on what the media is wanting to put out. i am sorry for the loss of this fine man who was doing his job above and beyond what many would do by putting his life at risk and losing it for one of his men. He deserved the medal as well as our thanks for his service! May God be with his loved ones at this time and when they need Him in the future.

[NoFactsJustTruth]

It almost seems now by some possibly intentional planning, Paul, that too few of OUR country are even aware from day to day what an insanely high price OUR society pays when we lose the best, bravest, brightest, strongest and most courageous among us - on ridiculously impossible missions half way around the world. Some of it is no doubt because of conditioning from the many years OUR Government chose trying to hide from us the reality of their actions, and another part is just the timing of so many here right now losing their jobs, homes, health care and also lives too.

May ALL soldiers have sergeants care about them as much as Sgt. First Class Jared C. Monti - did 'his'.

[Berettasskeeter]

Amen!

[propitiousmoment]

War is STUPID!!!! What are these people dying for? NOTHING! We have not gained one thing for either country by our ham-handed iron-fisted warmongering. But we have cost them hundreds of thousands of lives that we conveniently never mention. And we get to wallow around in these big emotional mudpuddles like the reflected glory and grief makes US better people because our soldiers died for NOTHING!!! War is STUPID!!!! Can't we put all the testosterone in the world to better use? Aren't we smart enough yet to figure out a better way?

[Shaun Parker]

There is something I want you to understand. Yes, war may be stupid. But I want you to know this. Every day, every single day, someone in the world is trying to kill you, just because you are an American. The only thing protecting you is guys like Monti, and others that wear the uniform. Please don't forget that, and pass it on to your friends.

[lordjin]

Why is he dead, Barack? for what purpose did Jared Monti die?

[NickfromCali]

Uh, SFC Monti died during the previous administration

[writerjohnny]

President Obama has been in office less than a year in the impossible situation of having to undo 8 years of Bush insanity AND save the future of the US. More to the point what have YOU done for your country lately? Even more to the point thanks for your service Mr. Rieckhoff and Mr. Monti.

[Berettasskeeter]

If this isn't Obama's, and I don't mean the Sgt's death, why was 9/11 Bush's????
Semper fi

[S1m0n]

At the moment, Obama is not 'undoing' bad Bush policy in Afghanistan. He's perpetuating it. However, that doesn't change the fact that Monti died in june 2006, when the Republicans had unfettered control of every branch of the government.

[Emerald1943]

I watched the ceremony from the White House and listened to the words of tribute by President Obama. I was choking back tears as I saw him pause to hold back his own emotions as he read the narrative of this brave soldier's sacrifice.

My condolences to Sgt. Monti's family! He was the best of the best!

[hollyhund]

I watched this ceremony through a glaze of tears! Sgt Monti's story was so touching and I know there are other untold stories. It's a shame that this honor has not been bestowed on one of thse living heroes! I pray for all of them!

[Surfered]

Great post! Hooah!!!

[ProudNeoCon]

God Bless...

[alohaz]

My condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Monti and in particular his mother and father who obviously raised their son to be nothing less than exceptional.

If I had my way our vets would get the very highest quality medical care and treatment as needed.

[STILJON]

Thank you. It is hard to find the words that could adequately show the respect I have for everyone who puts their lives on the line for others. Every single soldier earns this respect forever the moment they choose to put on the uniform. The only honor that could actually match Sgt. first class Jared C. Monti and every individual who has given their life for others are the actions of those who follow their lead by putting their lives on the line. We should do everything within our power to overwhelmingly acknowledge all of those who have chosen a life where the ultimate sacrifice is possible. There are many roles for each of us to play in this world and there isn't a single one of us who doesn't feel a chill when they think of those who risk their lives for us. So through this all of you can know how much you mean to us. You like every soldier Paul are forever cherished and the fact that you continue to give by providing a critical voice is yet another example of what this country is truly all about.

[bkca]

Rest in peace, SFC...... god bless you.

[uglygnome]

Paul, we need more coverage of the real cost of war. Sgt. Monti is a true hero. I'd rather he was alive and there was no war.

[FeloniusMonk]

Paul,

Thank you for again reminding people what it is that makes up a true hero. You are correct, it is far to easy to misuse the word or use it for some advantageous purpose.

Sargeant Monti demonstrated what is true and best in our military. I hope his family is taken well care of both spiritually and financially, with love and support.

[Dennis St John]

Paul, you are absolutely right (as usual). When everyone is a hero, then everyone is a zero. The term loses its meaning. Jesus said, "No greater love has a man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." So, I don't mean to detract in the least from the sacrifice of brothers in arms, but it seems such a pity that lives are being frittered away on meaningless, unnecessary wars. Iraq has nothing to do with anything (except oil), and if federal dollars were more wisely spent 9-11 need never have happened and likewise Afghanistan. It is now known that the NSA knew about the hijackers but said nothing to the FBI. Yeah, I know, and I say the laws be damned. The government breaks them all the time when it suits their purposes. This is nothing new. During WWII, the Navy hogged vital intelligence and shared it with other services sparingly and only as it deemed necessary, frustrating General MacArthur to tears.

[GardenerNorCal]

What of Private Bradbury?

http://mommabradbury.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!96836BBF1C52636C!151.entry

[OdinsEye]

IIRC, Bradbury and the medic who was helicoptered in to evac him both died when the cable from the chopper snapped.