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SEAL's Sacrifice Wins Medal of Honor

Sniper who smothered grenade hailed for saving lives of fellow service members

By M. Morris,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 8, 2008 5:14 PM CDT
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(Newser) – A Navy SEAL who dove on a live grenade to save comrades' lives in Iraq received the Medal of Honor today, the Navy Times reports. Michael Monsoor's parents, George and Sally, received the nation's highest combat honor from President Bush, who wept during the ceremony. Monsoor, 25, died Sept. 29, 2006, as US forces tried to take Ramadi from insurgents.

Monsoor was assigned to provide cover to an Army unit when a grenade hit him in the chest. He dived on it, absorbing the brunt of the ensuing explosion and saving the lives of two others. "He had a clear chance to escape," Bush said today, "but in his mind, it was not a choice at all."

President Bush stands with George and Sally Monsoor, the parents of Navy SEAL Michael Monsoor, at the ceremony awarding the Navy SEAL the Medal of Honor at the White House, Tuesday, April 8, 2008.
President Bush stands with George and Sally Monsoor, the parents of Navy SEAL Michael Monsoor, at the ceremony awarding the Navy SEAL the Medal of Honor at the White House, Tuesday, April 8, 2008.   (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Tears run down President Bush's cheek as he takes part in a Medal of Honor ceremony in the East Room on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, for Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL.
Tears run down President Bush's cheek as he takes part in a Medal of Honor ceremony in the East Room on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, for Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL.   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
George and Sally Monsoor hold their son Michael's Medal of Honor after President Bush, not shown, presented it to them during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, April 8, 2008. Petty Officer 2nd Class Navy SEAL Michael Monsoor, 25, was killed in Iraq in September...
George and Sally Monsoor hold their son Michael's Medal of Honor after President Bush, not shown, presented it to them during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, April 8, 2008. Petty...   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
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The scene in the East Room
Orange County Register

Platoon commander on Monsoor: "the best SEAL I've ever met"
Orange County Register

More on the attack in which Monsoor died
Los Angeles Times

The Navy's tribute to Monsoor
U.S. Navy

US

 
Iraq • Navy • Ramadi • Navy SEALs • US Navy • Medal of Honor • Silver Star • George W. Bush • Michael Monsoor

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