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After reading the mess the other recent thread on Patriotism degenerated into, I thought I would respecrfully post this:

Non Sibi Sed Patriae

Navy Petty Officer Mike Monsoor



On September 29, 2006, Monsoor's platoon engaged four insurgents in a firefight, killing one and injuring another. Anticipating further attacks, Monsoor, three SEAL snipers and three Iraqi Army soldiers took up a rooftop position. Civilians aiding the insurgents blocked off the streets, and a nearby mosque broadcast a message for people to fight against the Americans and the Iraqi soldiers. Monsoor was protecting other SEALs, two of whom were 15 feet away from him. Monsoor's position made him the only SEAL on the rooftop with quick access to an escape route.

A grenade was thrown onto the rooftop by an insurgent on the street below. The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest and fell onto the floor. Immediately, Monsoor yelled "Grenade!" and jumped onto the grenade, covering it with his body. The grenade exploded seconds later and Monsoor's body absorbed most of the force of the blast. Monsoor was severely wounded and although evacuated immediately, he died 30 minutes later. Two other SEALs next to him at the time were injured by the explosion but survived.

For his selfless actions, Petty Officer Monsoor was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor with the following citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Automatic Weapons Gunner for Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 29 September 2006.As a member of a combined SEAL and Iraqi Army sniper overwatch element, tasked with providing early warning and stand-off protection from a rooftop in an insurgent-held sector of Ar 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 to assault 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 and landed in front of him. Although only 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.

During Petty Officer Monsoor's funeral in San Diego, as his coffin was being moved from the hearse to the grave site at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery , SEAL's were lined up on both sides of the pallbearers route forming a column of two's,
with the coffin moving up the center.

As Petty Officer Monsoor coffin passed, each SEAL, having removed his gold Trident from his uniform, slapped it down embedding the Trident in the wooden coffin.



The slaps were were said to audible from across the cemetery, and by the time the coffin arrived grave side, it looked as though it had a gold inlay from all the Tridents pinned to it.
This was a fitting send-off for a warrior hero.

There is more information about Petty Officer Monsoor
http://www.navy.mil/moh/monsoor/

Particularly moving is the photo tribute.

BTW for those who don't know, and are wondering
Non Sibi Sed Patriae in English reads: "Not For Self, but For Country"

I read one everyday, thanks.

Good post, Pete.
Thank you!

May God Bless and Keep Mike Monsoor.

May He also provide comfort to his family.

BMT

Thank you Pete...

No, thank you Mike Monsoor.

one would think it would shame the ankle biters, but it won't.


a remarkable man.....and a true hero

Thank you for the post Pete.

Mike Monsoor is a true hero...my most heartfelt thanks to that man and his family as well as his fellow Navy Seals!

this is a REAL HERO

Yes sir...That especially...

There have been many heros in the military. Unfortunately, only a few are recognized.

Methinks damn near all are recognized. They are recognized by the people that really matter.

Very true

Thank God for men like Mike Monsoor. Bear

Thanks to Mike and also to those he left behind.