American Valor - The Orange Mane

Atlas · 10-14-2006, 12:22 AM

SEAL falls on grenade to save comrades

SoCals link: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061014/...vy_seal_killed

By THOMAS WATKINS, Associated Press Writer
1 hour, 35 minutes ago

CORONADO, Calif. - A Navy SEAL sacrificed his life to save his comrades by throwing himself on top of a grenade Iraqi insurgents tossed into their sniper hideout, fellow members of the elite force said.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor had been near the only door to the rooftop structure Sept. 29 when the grenade hit him in the chest and bounced to the floor, said four SEALs who spoke to The Associated Press this week on condition of anonymity because their work requires their identities to remain secret.

"He never took his eye off the grenade, his only movement was down toward it," said a 28-year-old lieutenant who sustained shrapnel wounds to both legs that day. "He undoubtedly saved mine and the other SEALs' lives, and we owe him."

Monsoor, a 25-year-old gunner, was killed in the explosion in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. He was only the second SEAL to die in Iraq since the war began.

Two SEALs next to Monsoor were injured; another who was 10 to 15 feet from the blast was unhurt. The four had been working with Iraqi soldiers providing sniper security while U.S. and Iraqi forces conducted missions in the area.

In an interview at the SEALs' West Coast headquarters in Coronado, four members of the special force remembered "Mikey" as a loyal friend and a quiet, dedicated professional.

"He was just a fun-loving guy," said a 26-year-old petty officer 2nd class who went through the grueling 29-week SEAL training with Monsoor. "Always got something funny to say, always got a little mischievous look on his face."

Other SEALS described the Garden Grove, Calif., native as a modest and humble man who drew strength from his family and his faith. His father and brother are former Marines, said a 31-year-old petty officer 2nd class.

Prior to his death, Monsoor had already demonstrated courage under fire. He has been posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his actions May 9 in Ramadi, when he and another SEAL pulled a team member shot in the leg to safety while bullets pinged off the ground around them.

Monsoor's funeral was held Thursday at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. He has also been submitted for an award for his actions the day he died.

The first Navy SEAL to die in Iraq was Petty Officer 2nd Class Marc A. Lee, 28, who was killed Aug. 2 in a firefight while on patrol against insurgents in Ramadi. Navy spokesman Lt. Taylor Clark said the low number of deaths among SEALs in Iraq is a testament to their training.

Sixteen SEALs have been killed in Afghanistan. Eleven of them died in June 2005 when a helicopter was shot down near the Pakistan border while ferrying reinforcements for troops pursuing al-Qaida militants.

There are about 2,300 of the elite fighters, based in Coronado and Little Creek, Va.

The Navy is trying to boost that number by 500 — a challenge considering more than 75 percent of candidates drop out of training, notorious for "Hell Week," a five-day stint of continual drills by the ocean broken by only four hours sleep total. Monsoor made it through training on his second attempt.

R.I.P.

This photo provided by the U.S. Navy shows Navy SEAL Michael A. Monsoor, left, on patrol in Iraq in 2006. Monsoor died Friday, Sept. 29, 2006, in Ramadi, Iraq, when he threw himself on a grenade to save fellow SEALs.

L.A. BRONCOS FAN · 10-14-2006, 12:38 AM

What an awe-inspiring act of bravery and sacrifice, and what a shameful and unnecessary waste of American lives on Bush's hands.

This guy deserved SO much more than the hand the AWOL-going, drunk-driving, never-worked-a-day-in-his-life, coke-snorting, frat boy pinhead dealt him.

That smirking, court-selected POS betrayed this brave American's trust, and for that I can never forgive him.

Crushaholic · 10-14-2006, 01:05 AM

That soldier apparently had more bravery in his little pinky than some do in their entire body. I send my condolences to the family...

defenseman · 10-14-2006, 06:05 AM

Fair winds and following seas shipmate.....dman

*SEALS truly are the best of the best. Very grounded sailors and men.

SPfloppy · 10-14-2006, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L.A. BRONCOS FAN

What an awe-inspiring act of bravery and sacrifice, and what a shameful and unnecessary waste of American lives on Bush's hands.

This guy deserved SO much more than the hand the AWOL-going, drunk-driving, never-worked-a-day-in-his-life, coke-snorting, frat boy pinhead dealt him.

That smirking, court-selected POS betrayed this brave American's trust, and for that I can never forgive him.

Couldn't you have just commended his action and not turned it into something political? Are you so against Bush that you are incapable of writing anything posative about the war....you know now that I think about it you should work for MSNBC or CNN

SteveTensi13 · 10-14-2006, 07:56 AM

LABF has gone so far off the deep end I'm at a loss for words. As much as I hated Clinton I didnt blame him everytime the wind changed direction or every bowel movement that I had. I believe it borders on compulsive psychotic behavior.

I shudder to think what his basement looks like!

spdirty · 10-14-2006, 08:14 AM

Man, that was a MAN right there. I don't know, maybe he should be put up for the CMH for that kind of sacrifice.

Anyone seen the 6 part series on their training through BUDS? Its on the Military Channel, and I highly recommend it. Watching it I was just in awe of what these men go through just to have a chance to be SEALS. They are just cut from a different breed. Man they started the class with 83, got cut down to 39 by the time hell week started, and there were like 18 after hell week. Just the will and mental stamina they have is absolutely remarkable

Florida_Bronco · 10-14-2006, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPfloppy

Couldn't you have just commended his action and not turned it into something political? Are you so against Bush that you are incapable of writing anything posative about the war....you know now that I think about it you should work for MSNBC or CNN

I have to agree there.

Atlas · 10-14-2006, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spdirty

Man, that was a MAN right there. I don't know, maybe he should be put up for the CMH for that kind of sacrifice.

Anyone seen the 6 part series on their training through BUDS? Its on the Military Channel, and I highly recommend it. Watching it I was just in awe of what these men go through just to have a chance to be SEALS. They are just cut from a different breed. Man they started the class with 83, got cut down to 39 by the time hell week started, and there were like 18 after hell week. Just the will and mental stamina they have is absolutely remarkable

I have seen that series on the Military Channel. That is good stuff. Those guys go through hell.

Atlas · 10-14-2006, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPfloppy

Couldn't you have just commended his action and not turned it into something political? Are you so against Bush that you are incapable of writing anything posative about the war....you know now that I think about it you should work for MSNBC or CNN

I believe LABF is outraged over every soldier that is killed in Iraq because of Bush's inept(being kind) policy. Every soldier that dies over there futhers his point that the U.S. needs to change policies.

alkemical · 10-14-2006, 11:10 AM

L.A. BRONCOS FAN · 10-14-2006, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPfloppy

Couldn't you have just commended his action and not turned it into something political?

If you aren't hopping mad about the fact that this guy died becuase of Bush's lies then there is something seriously wrong with you.

The American death toll in Iraq is approaching 3,000, and there is no end in sight because the sociopathic POS you support refuses to admit he's wrong and refuses to change course - in spite of the facts.

Hence, you and the chickenhawk punk you support are the ones who are playing politics here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPfloppy

Are you so against Bush that you are incapable of writing anything posative(sic) about the war....you know now that I think about it you should work for MSNBC or CNN

Is your blind support for Bush and your compulsion to cover his flank so all-consuming that you put your little cult of Bush ahead of the lives of our brave men and women serving in the armed forces?

L.A. BRONCOS FAN · 10-14-2006, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveTensi13

As much as I hated Clinton I didnt blame him everytime the wind changed direction or every bowel movement that I had.

Clinton didn't send this guy to his death on false pretenses, dumbass - your hero Bush did.

BroncoBuff · 10-14-2006, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L.A. BRONCOS FAN

What an awe-inspiring act of bravery and sacrifice, and what a shameful and unnecessary waste of American lives on Bush's hands.

This guy deserved SO much more than the hand the AWOL-going, drunk-driving, never-worked-a-day-in-his-life, coke-snorting, frat boy pinhead dealt him.

That smirking, court-selected POS betrayed this brave American's trust, and for that I can never forgive him.

Truth.is.real.

Florida_Bronco · 10-14-2006, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L.A. BRONCOS FAN

If you aren't hopping mad about the fact that this guy died becuase of Bush's lies then there is something seriously wrong with you.

The American death toll in Iraq is approaching 3,000, and there is no end in sight because the sociopathic POS you support refuses to admit he's wrong and refuses to change course - in spite of the facts.

Hence, you and the chickenhawk punk you support are the ones who are playing politics here.

Is your blind support for Bush and your compulsion to cover his flank so all-consuming that you put your little cult of Bush ahead of the lives of our brave men and women serving in the armed forces?

The man was doing what he wanted to do, but I'm still very sorry for his death and proud of his actions.

10-14-2006, 12:22 AM	#1
Atlas Draft Defense Early&Often Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 18,526	American Valor SEAL falls on grenade to save comrades SoCals link: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061014/...vy_seal_killed By THOMAS WATKINS, Associated Press Writer 1 hour, 35 minutes ago CORONADO, Calif. - A Navy SEAL sacrificed his life to save his comrades by throwing himself on top of a grenade Iraqi insurgents tossed into their sniper hideout, fellow members of the elite force said. Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor had been near the only door to the rooftop structure Sept. 29 when the grenade hit him in the chest and bounced to the floor, said four SEALs who spoke to The Associated Press this week on condition of anonymity because their work requires their identities to remain secret. "He never took his eye off the grenade, his only movement was down toward it," said a 28-year-old lieutenant who sustained shrapnel wounds to both legs that day. "He undoubtedly saved mine and the other SEALs' lives, and we owe him." Monsoor, a 25-year-old gunner, was killed in the explosion in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. He was only the second SEAL to die in Iraq since the war began. Two SEALs next to Monsoor were injured; another who was 10 to 15 feet from the blast was unhurt. The four had been working with Iraqi soldiers providing sniper security while U.S. and Iraqi forces conducted missions in the area. In an interview at the SEALs' West Coast headquarters in Coronado, four members of the special force remembered "Mikey" as a loyal friend and a quiet, dedicated professional. "He was just a fun-loving guy," said a 26-year-old petty officer 2nd class who went through the grueling 29-week SEAL training with Monsoor. "Always got something funny to say, always got a little mischievous look on his face." Other SEALS described the Garden Grove, Calif., native as a modest and humble man who drew strength from his family and his faith. His father and brother are former Marines, said a 31-year-old petty officer 2nd class. Prior to his death, Monsoor had already demonstrated courage under fire. He has been posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his actions May 9 in Ramadi, when he and another SEAL pulled a team member shot in the leg to safety while bullets pinged off the ground around them. Monsoor's funeral was held Thursday at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. He has also been submitted for an award for his actions the day he died. The first Navy SEAL to die in Iraq was Petty Officer 2nd Class Marc A. Lee, 28, who was killed Aug. 2 in a firefight while on patrol against insurgents in Ramadi. Navy spokesman Lt. Taylor Clark said the low number of deaths among SEALs in Iraq is a testament to their training. Sixteen SEALs have been killed in Afghanistan. Eleven of them died in June 2005 when a helicopter was shot down near the Pakistan border while ferrying reinforcements for troops pursuing al-Qaida militants. There are about 2,300 of the elite fighters, based in Coronado and Little Creek, Va. The Navy is trying to boost that number by 500 — a challenge considering more than 75 percent of candidates drop out of training, notorious for "Hell Week," a five-day stint of continual drills by the ocean broken by only four hours sleep total. Monsoor made it through training on his second attempt. R.I.P. This photo provided by the U.S. Navy shows Navy SEAL Michael A. Monsoor, left, on patrol in Iraq in 2006. Monsoor died Friday, Sept. 29, 2006, in Ramadi, Iraq, when he threw himself on a grenade to save fellow SEALs.

10-14-2006, 08:14 AM	#7
spdirty Ring of Famer Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Bailey Posts: 13,901 Adopt-a-Bronco: Koppen	Man, that was a MAN right there. I don't know, maybe he should be put up for the CMH for that kind of sacrifice. Anyone seen the 6 part series on their training through BUDS? Its on the Military Channel, and I highly recommend it. Watching it I was just in awe of what these men go through just to have a chance to be SEALS. They are just cut from a different breed. Man they started the class with 83, got cut down to 39 by the time hell week started, and there were like 18 after hell week. Just the will and mental stamina they have is absolutely remarkable Last edited by spdirty; 10-14-2006 at 08:19 AM..

10-14-2006, 11:10 AM	#11
alkemical Guerrilla Ontologist rorrim\|mirror Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Future Posts: 42,693 Adopt-a-Bronco: Prima Materia	rip

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

10-14-2006, 12:38 AM	#2
L.A. BRONCOS FAN Mo' holla fo' yo' dolla! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: In a bunker in an undisclosed location Posts: 52,694	What an awe-inspiring act of bravery and sacrifice, and what a shameful and unnecessary waste of American lives on Bush's hands. This guy deserved SO much more than the hand the AWOL-going, drunk-driving, never-worked-a-day-in-his-life, coke-snorting, frat boy pinhead dealt him. That smirking, court-selected POS betrayed this brave American's trust, and for that I can never forgive him.

10-14-2006, 01:05 AM	#3
Crushaholic Armchair Poster Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Topeka, KS Posts: 22,043	That soldier apparently had more bravery in his little pinky than some do in their entire body. I send my condolences to the family...

10-14-2006, 06:05 AM	#4
defenseman Ring of Famer 2007 record pred. (7-9) Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 9,232	Fair winds and following seas shipmate.....dman *SEALS truly are the best of the best. Very grounded sailors and men.

10-14-2006, 07:56 AM	#6
SteveTensi13 GIVE ME SOME MORE ORANGE OLD SCHOOL BRONCO Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Helmand province, Afghanistan Posts: 1,830 Adopt-a-Bronco: Brandon Stokley	LABF has gone so far off the deep end I'm at a loss for words. As much as I hated Clinton I didnt blame him everytime the wind changed direction or every bowel movement that I had. I believe it borders on compulsive psychotic behavior. I shudder to think what his basement looks like!