Master at Arms 2nd Class Michael Anthony Monsoor, A Sailor's Story
Master at Arms 2nd Class Michael Anthony Monsoor, A Sailor's Story
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Michael Anthony Monsoor was born on April 15, 1981, in Long Beach, California, and grew up in nearby Garden Grove. He graduated from Garden Grove High School in 1999, where he played football and was known among friends for his loyalty and quiet determination.
Not long after the attacks of September 11 reshaped the nation, Monsoor chose a path of service. He enlisted in the United States Navy on March 21, 2001. Drawn to one of the most demanding specialties in the armed forces, he entered training to become a Navy SEAL. After enduring the grueling Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training pipeline, he completed the program in September 2004 and joined SEAL Team 3.
In April 2006, Monsoor deployed to Iraq during the height of the War on Terror. Assigned as a point man and sniper with SEAL Team 3’s Task Unit Bruiser, he operated in the dangerous urban battlefields of Ramadi, one of the most contested cities of the Iraq War. His team was tasked with providing overwatch for coalition forces and Iraqi troops fighting insurgent forces in the city.
On September 29, 2006, Monsoor and three fellow SEALs were positioned on a rooftop in Ramadi, providing sniper support for troops below. During the engagement, an insurgent threw a grenade onto the roof, landing directly beside the SEALs.
With no time for hesitation and knowing the danger it posed to his teammates, Monsoor made an instantaneous decision. He threw himself onto the grenade, absorbing the full blast with his own body. His actions shielded the two SEALs beside him and another nearby teammate, saving their lives.
Michael Monsoor died of his wounds soon afterward. He was 25 years old.
For his extraordinary heroism and selfless sacrifice, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military decoration for valor. His courage ensured that his fellow SEALs survived the attack.
Today, he rests at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. His name is also carried forward in the fleet by the guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001), a reminder that the Navy continues to sail under the legacy of those who gave everything for their brothers in arms.
Michael Monsoor’s story is one of quiet resolve and ultimate sacrifice. In a single moment, he chose others over himself, embodying the highest ideals of service and duty.
And because of that choice, several men lived to go home.
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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.
You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.
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