Operation Iraqi Freedom got success, but at a cost. US Soldiers lost lives and amongst the many soldiers who sacrificed their lives for this cause. But, Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor’s – a US Navy SEAL and a soldier to the core – tale of supreme sacrifice and bravery can never be forgotten.

On September 29, 2006 Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor was killed while trying to save his fellow SEALs in Iraq. On March 31, 2008, the then President of the United States, George W. Bush presented the highest US Military award: the Medal of Honor to Michael’s parents George and Sally Monsoor. The other medals and honors given to Michael Monsoor include Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, and Purple Heart Medal. In October 2008, Donald C Winter, the US Secretary of Navy announced that a Zumwalt-class of destroyer’s vessel called DDG-1001 will be named after the National Hero Michael Monsoor.

Early Days
Born on April 5, 1981 in Long Beach, California, Monsoor enlisted for US Navy on March 21, 2001. He breezed through the Basic Training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois. He went on to attend Quartermaster “A” School training and was subsequently transferred to the Naval Air Station, Sigonella, Italy for a brief period.

Michael graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition School/SEAL (BUD/S) Class 250 on 02nd September, 2004 with top honors. He went on to complete the advanced SEAL training course, which included cold weather combat training at Kodiak, Alaska, parachute training at Basic Airborne School, and 6 months of SQT (SEAL Qualification Training) in Coronado, California. He graduated as a SEAL in March 2005. In April 2005, his rating was changed from Quartermaster to Master-at-Arms. He was assigned to the Delta Platoon, SEAL Team Three.

War Zone
In April 2006, Michael was sent to Ramadi, Iraq as a part of Operation Kentucky Jumper to train Iraqi Soldiers. Michael’s role was that of a communicator and gunner and carried in excess of 100lbs of gear in temperatures over 1000F. Most of the times he took the lead position so that he could protect his platoon from any frontal attack. During the first 5 months in the war zone, Michael and his team killed 84 insurgents. On May 9, 2006 Michael put his life in the line of fire to save an injured comrade. He ran through a street under heavy fire from insurgents and saved his comrade. This act of supreme bravery earned him the Silver Star and the Bronze Star.

In September 2006, he was given the responsibility of a sniper over-watch security position in Eastern Ramadi, Iraq. He was manning this post with 3 other Navy SEAL’s and 8 Iraqi Soldiers. Their job was to provide over-watch security while combined forces conducted missions in Ramadi.

This Article is written by James Kara Murat