April 8, 2008, is a date to keep in mind. The family of Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor, Navy SEAL, will receive the Congressional Medal of Honor on his behalf at a White House ceremony next Tuesday.
Update, April 3, 2008
We're learning more about how Michael Monsoor lived and died: his last decision; and that his favorite holiday was Halloween.
He had a choice, before that grenade exploded. " 'One of the key aspects of this incident was the way the overwatch position was structured. There was only one access point for entry or exit and Monsoor was the only one who could have saved himself from harm. Instead, knowing what the outcome would be, he fell on the grenade to save the others from harm. ...' " NavySEALs.com (Memorial / Michael A. Monsoor)
Michael Monsoor had planned to get home to Garden Grove, California, in time to for his favorite holiday, Halloween. " 'Last Halloween, he was one of the Super Mario Brothers,' said one of his best friends, Patrick Barnes. 'This year, we were supposed to dress up as sumo wrestlers.' "
People who knew Michael Monsoor remembered a 25-year-old who "loved snowboarding, fast cars and motorcycles." His friends knew the loyalty and devotion that Monsoor showed in his death. " 'He was selective about the friends he made,' Barnes said, fighting back tears. 'But when you became his friend, you became his brother.' " Orange County Register (October 4, 2006)
More at Garden Grove resident and SEAL dies in combat" Orange County Register (October 4, 2006), "Navy SEAL to Get Medal of Honor" The Western Star (April 1, 2008), and "Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor: American Hero" (March 31 2008).
Related posts, on Individuals and the War on Terror.
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