Michael Monsoor, a US Navy Seal, died saving the lives of his teammates in Ar Ramadi, Iraq in September 2006. His selfless actions were recoginized and honored today at the White House.
As it should be, there are many web write-ups about Monsoor and today's ceremony at the White House. See Blackfive, FoxNews.com (pictures), and MichelleMakin.com. The Navy's site is appropriately classy...
From the official citation:
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.
It looks like there wasn't a dry eye in the room over in DC. I used the last of my kleenex while reading the news coverage at the office. I tear up easily, but it always hits hard when I notice birthdates -- Michael was just a year or so younger than my baby sister, who of course isn't a baby anymore but is former Navy.
Thank you, Michael, and Godspeed.
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