In Memory of Petty Officer Michael Anthony Monsoor

Floor Speech

Mr. HUNTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the life and memory of former Petty Officer Second Class Michael Anthony Monsoor, who has been awarded this Nation's highest military honor, the Medal of Honor. A California native, Michael courageously gave his life in the service of his country, upholding and reflecting the highest traditions of the United States Navy.

Born April 5, 1981, in Long Beach California, Michael attended Garden Grove High School where he played football. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 21, 2001 and attended Basic Training at Recruit Training

Command, Great Lakes, Illinois. After graduation, he attended Quartermaster School and then transferred to the Naval Air Station, Sigonella, Italy, for a brief period.

From this assignment, Michael entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, California, where he graduated as one of the top performers in his class. After BUD/S training, he completed advanced SEAL training, including parachute training, at Basic Airborne School, Fort Benning. Georgia, and cold weather training in Kodiak, Alaska.

Following his rating as Master-at-Arms, he was assigned to SEAL Team THREE Delta Platoon and deployed with his platoon to Iraq in April 2006 in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, and was subsequently assigned to Task Unit Bravo in Ar Ramadi. From then until September 2006, Michael served as a heavy weapons machine gunner and, during combat patrols, he walked behind the platoon point man with his Mk 48 machine gun as protection against a frontal assault. On 15 such missions Michael served tirelessly with his platoon in one of the most hazardous areas in Iraq and, under the rendering of summer heat, he bore the extra burden of heavy communication gear and a full ammunition load.

Michael and his platoon operated in a highly contested part of Ramadi city called the Ma'laab district. During their deployment he and his fellow SEALs came under enemy attack on 75 percent of their missions. On May 9, 2006 Michael rescued a SEAL who was shot in the leg. He ran out in the street with another SEAL, shot cover fire and dragged his comrade to safety under intense enemy fire earning a Silver Star for gallantry.

But Michael's bravery did not end with this brave act. His Medal of Honor Citation reflects that on September 29, 2006, ``as a member of a combined SEAL and Iraq Army sniper overwatch element, tasked with providing early warning and stand-off protection from a rooftop in an insurgent held sector of 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 the assault engaging 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 landing in front of him. Although 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.'' For this the most extreme sacrifice, Petty Officer Michael Anthony Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by the President of the United States on April 8, 2008.

An ancient historian once wrote, ``The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet not withstanding, go out to meet it.'' Madam Speaker, these words could speak no better for the personal commitment of warriors like Petty Officer Monsoor whose service and sacrifice in the face of evil cannot be forgotten.

Michael is survived by his mother Sally, his father George, his sister Sara and his two brothers James and Joseph who will always cherish the memories of his loving and caring devotion to all that touched his life. A loyal friend and an exceptional SEAL, he is sorely missed by his brave brothers in Task Unit Bravo. I extend my prayers and deepest condolences to his loving family and friends and ask that my colleagues join me today in paying tribute to the life and memory of this true American hero.

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