SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 21, 2023) Sailors move ordnance on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. The SEALs fired back and stood their ground. And death. There is a problem with your email/password. He was 25-year-old Michael Monsoor. [20], As part of modernization, Garden Grove High School, where Michael Monsoor attended, dedicated the newly built stadium to him, naming it "Michael Monsoor Memorial Stadium". Try again later. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. Iraq War Medal of Honor Recipient. I want to hold my nieces and nephews again. The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest and fell onto the floor. There were also several blogs that called the whole story a rumor, citing that it was impossible to embed the trident pins and line them up so well as the casket moved between the lines of SEALs. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. By his courageous and selfless actions, he saved the lives of his two fellow SEALs and he is the most deserving of the special recognition afforded by awarding the Medal of Honor. Claim: Account describes Navy SEALs' funereal tribute to Medal of Honor recipient Mike Monsoor. Michael Monsoor was there in the midst of it all. But we fight onfor the men to our left and rightwe fight on. hide-sight in time to escape harm. Try again later. The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to. Penned together, all five were easy prey for the grenade's deadly spray of shrapnel. A warship that proudly bears his name. ELEMENT SNIPERS THWARTED THE ENEMY'S INITIAL ATTEMPT BY ELIMINATING TWO INSURGENTS. ), As President George W. Bush said of the event during the April 2008 Medal of Honor ceremony, "The procession went on nearly half an hour, and when it was all over, the simple wooden coffin had become a gold-plated memorial to a hero who will never be forgotten.". As someone that had the pleasure of knowing Mikey as a friend, and had the honor of serving with him on the battlefield, this photograph tells me a story. He then reentered a grueling SEAL program where only 23% pass, graduated at the top in the class of 2005 and was assigned to Delta Platoon. In the early morning, insurgents prepared to execute a coordinated attack by reconnoitering the area around the element's position. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. Many of my brothers have fallen. He immediately leapt to his feet and yelled "grenade" to alert his teammates of impending danger, but they could not evacuate the sniper hide-sight in time to escape harm. Verify and try again. Legal Statement. or redistributed. 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. GREAT NEWS! They patrolled bravely through the city streets engaging in firefights while on other occasions, they ambushed insurgent mortar teams near the banks of the Euphrates River. His face is calm, almost smilingdespite the obvious chaos and danger around him. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Check out Military.com's original video series today. He aggressively stabilized each chaotic situation with focused determination and uncanny tactical awareness. On that day, Monsoor was part of a sniper overwatch security position with three other SEALs and eight Iraqi Army (IA) soldiers. The citation accompanying the medal describes how he exposed himself to heavy enemy fire while shielding his teammates with suppressive fire. His life and unfortunate death are . Summary of eRumor: The eRumor describes the funeral of Navy petty officer Mike Monsoor, who lost is own life in Iraq to save the lives of other Navy SEALs. Our strength is our brotherhood. Heavy enemy automatic weapons fire resulted in a wounded SEAL who was left exposed to enemy fire. But we are strong. Please reset your password. THE ENEMY CONTINUED TO ASSAULT THE ELEMENT, ENGAGING THEM WITH A ROCKET-PROPELLED GRENADE AND SMALL ARMS FIRE. Monsoor died approximately 30 minutes later from wounds sustained from the blast. He was one of the best men I've ever met and although we were merely colleagues, I still mourn his every Memorial Day and September 29th. The Catholic Offensive Against the Franc How the Ultramontane Newspaper LUnivers Marguerite Bourgeoys: The Story of a Tea TFP Rosary Campaign to Restore America Blog, http://www.navy.mil/moh/Monsoor/bronze.pdf, http://www.blackfive.net/main/2008/04/us-navy-seal-mi.html, http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,116817,00.html, http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/2006608/posts?page=5. During Mike Monsoor's funeral in San Diego, as his coffin was being moved from the hearse to the grave site at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, SEALs were lined up on both sides of the pallbearers route forming a column of two's, with the coffin moving up the center. He attended Catholic Mass devotionally before operations, and often spoke lovingly of his family - his older brother, a police officer and former Marine for whom he held great respect; his sister, a nurse; and his younger brother, a college football player. carole.fader@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4635, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. Try again later. He entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training and graduated from Class 250 on September 2, 2004, as one of the top performers in his class. This is a carousel with slides. The grenade hit him in the chest and bounced onto the deck. Thank-you for raising such a great son. 1. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. Of the three SEALs on that rooftop corner, he had the only avenue of escape away from the blast, and if he had so chosen, he could have easily escaped. Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House April 8, 2008. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Salvation Army . He also knew that he was two short weeks away from returning home to family and friends. He is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. The men fighting alongside us in the streets are infantrymengrunts. When we encounter Iraqi families, I treat them with respect and dignity. Because of Petty Officer Monsoor's actions, he saved the lives of his 3 teammates and the IA soldiers. 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. After the engagements, the local populace blocked off the roads in the area with rocks to keep civilians away and to warn insurgents of the presence of his Coalition sniper element. After further training he was assigned to Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3. Your act and demonstrated honor is a high standard for all of us. I know these grunts are not just Soldiers and Marines, but fathers and brothers and sons. Petty Officer 2nd Class Monsoor sacrificed his life to save his comrades by throwing himself on top of a grenade that Iraqi insurgents tossed into their sniper hideout. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. IN THE EARLY MORNING, INSURGENTS PREPARED TO EXECUTE A COORDINATED ATTACK BY RECONNOITERING THE AREA AROUND THE ELEMENTS POSITION. On that day, he was on a rooftop over-watch in . Some months later the injured soldier had a dream of the incident where the Michael who rescued him had wings. They are words which I feel Michael Monsoor is saying to every American who appreciates the unbelievable sacrifice he made in a faraway land. Exhibiting the selflessness which would become his trademark, he continued to run with a pain so excruciating he nearly passed out. An emotional Donald Winter quoted a passage from scripture already remembered by so many to describe Michael Monsoor. Requiescate in pace. Without hesitation and showing no regard for his own life, he threw himself onto the grenade, smothering it to protect his teammates who were lying in close proximity. Petty Officer Monsoor's actions could not have been more selfless or clearly intentional. [5][6], A grenade was thrown onto the rooftop by an insurgent on the street below. Your membership is the foundation of our sustainability and resilience. If not then rest assured that these fine men and women of our military will continue to serve and protect. Named for a Medal of Honor recipient and Navy SEAL, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) will be commissioned Jan. 25. Words seem insufficient to recognize him as the most honorable, decent, unselfish, brave man who gave his life to save others. Mike and his fellow SEALs accounted for 84 enemy fighters killed in action and the detainment of numerous insurgents. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. Unrelated, Chris Kyle operated on the far western side of the city in support of additional special warfare operations; he reportedly killed 84 insurgents. [19], There is a U.S. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. In spite of the chaos and danger which surrounds them, Michael is calm, almost smiling. Monsoor was severely wounded and although evacuated immediately, he died 30 minutes later. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. On September 29, 2006, in the war-torn city of Ramadi, Iraq, Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor, or "Mikey" as we called him, smothered a grenade with his body to save three of. He bore the weight without a single complaint, even in the midst of the 130 degree Western Iraqi summer. Michael A. Monsoor has been listed as one of the Warfare good articles under the good article criteria. Kyle wrote in his 2012 book, "American Sniper," that he punched out a celebrity while mourning the death of Navy SEAL and future Medal of Honor recipient, Master at Arms 2nd Class Michael Monsoor. A mass of christian burial will be held on Thursday, May 4th 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the St. John the Beloved Catholic Church (6420 Linway Terrace, McLean, VA 22101). And while there is no way that a steel and iron ship can ever replace the flesh and blood that was Michael Monsoor, at the same time, there is no more fitting memorial to him than a warship. [21][22][23], Michael Monsoor is mentioned in the book of Rorke Denver "Damn Few: Making the Modern SEAL Warrior". Patricia Monsoor, his aunt and godmother, said he went to confession frequently and other soldiers who were not practicing would sometimes follow [him to Mass] because of his good example.. Mikes gun is at the ready. This act of heroism earned him a Silver Star and a reputation for putting others first. Market data provided by Factset. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. We have set your language to Market data provided by Factset. I am so proud to be a part of this Band of Brothers. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. On September 29, 2006, Ramadi, Iraq was considered the most dangerous city on planet earth for American servicemen. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Each time I read of Michael's sacrifice I'm so amazed & heartbroken. [16], In 2011, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs honored Monsoor by naming one of the first three named streets at Miramar National Cemetery after him. Naval Sea Cadet Corps unit named the "Michael A. Monsoor Battalion" based in Camp Pendleton, California. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Margaret Monsoor (Sandy, Utah), born in Morgantown, West Virginia, who passed away at the age of 94, on August 8, 2021. May the Lord comfort you. Try again. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. 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. Michael Anthony Monsoor was born on 5 April 1981 in Long Beach, CA, the third of four children born to George and Sally Monsoor. Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California, USA. As Mike's coffin passed, each SEAL, having removed his gold Trident from his uniform, slapped it down embedding the Trident in the wooden coffin. Frank Monsoor, 82, of Onalaska passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, February 8, 2015 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. His sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. Your parents and family are also remembered, as they too have borne the pain of your absence. His sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. I thought you might like to see a memorial for MA2 Michael Anthony Monsoor I found on Findagrave.com. I am Michael Monsoor, I love my country, my fellow SEALS and the men fighting along side us I have lived life to its fullest. Wasp is underway conducting basic phase inspections and assessments. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. There was a problem getting your location. Instead, Monsoor chose to protect his comrades by the sacrifice of his own life. When Mike died, a picture of him circulated the news. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. ", Army Ranger Legend Ralph Puckett Receives Medal of Honor, World War II Hero Charles Coolidge Receives Medal of Honor in 1945, Crews Work to Save WWII Ship Taking on Water, See the Final 'Top Gun: Maverick' Trailer, War Crimes Watch: She's Working to Make Putin Pay, Sniper Videos, Sniper Rifles, Sniper Kills: The Best of the Best. A mutually supporting SEAL/IA position also killed an enemy fighter during the morning hours. [5][6], Monsoor enlisted in the United States Navy on March 24, 2001, and attended Basic Training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois. You may request to transfer up to 250,000 memorials managed by Find a Grave. The trapezoidal-shaped USS Michael Monsoor came to Naval Station Everett on Friday, where the ship. Origins: On 29 September 2006, 25-year-old Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor (MA2, not EOD2 as stated above) was killed during operations in enemy-held territory at Ar Ramadi, Iraq, when he threw himself on top of a grenade in order to save the lives of his fellow SEALS. Each time [terrorists] assaulted his team with small arms fire or rocket propelled grenades, he quickly assessed the situation, determined the best course of action to counter the enemy assaults, and implemented his plan to gain the best tactical advantage.2, In the midst of such violent action, Michael Monsoor displayed what Secretary of the Navy, Donald Winter described as a cool headedness under fire and when hostility broke out, he proved he was a SEAL you wanted on your team.3. AS ENEMY ACTIVITY INCREASED, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR TOOK POSITION WITH HIS MACHINE GUN BETWEEN TWO TEAMMATES ON AN OUTCROPPING OF THE ROOF. From April to Sept. 29, 2006, Mike served as a heavy weapons machine gunner in Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3. We honor his service. Monsoor yelled, "Grenade!" and made a snap decision that would mark him for all time. The Medal of Honor is America's highest decoration for military valor. As gun fire chewed up the asphalt around him, Michael snatched the wounded soldier from the jaws of death with one arm, returned enemy fire with the other and then dragged him to safety. He was also posthumously given the Silver Star for helping carry a wounded team member to safety during an attack, Snopes.com reported. Monsoor died approximately 30 minutes later from wounds sustained from the blast. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on 29 September 2006. Try again later. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial . From here we almost lose our breath as we follow the rapid upward trajectory his life would take. WHAT RUDDERLESS MILLENNIALS COULD LEARN FROM NAVY SEAL MICHAEL MONSOOR -- WHO GAVE HIS LIFE FOR OTHERS. Paul Hamilton is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area. 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. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. Monsoor's story was covered by several media outlets, including Fox News and The Los Angeles Times. Although nothing can adequately prepare one for such a circumstance, Michael Monsoor seemed to be living a life which pointed to it. Far from his family and the country he loved. 1995 - 2023 by Snopes Media Group Inc. English Once again he and death would meet and once again he put others first. Times Staff Writer. Of the three SEALs on that rooftop corner, he had the only avenue of escape away from the blast, and if he had so chosen, he could have easily escaped. Immediately, Petty Officer Monsoor, with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to heavy enemy fire in order to provide suppressive fire and fight his way to the wounded SEAL's position. He gave his life to protect comrades . He was medically rolled back and sent to Italy for a year where he spent the majority of his off time doing physical training. You can always change this later in your Account settings. 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. Plans were already made for him to see his younger brother play in a football game for North Dakotas Minot State University.4. As I look at this picture, I hear a voice in a humble but confident tone. Petty Officer Second Class Michael Anthony Monsoor was born April 5, 1981 in Long Beach, Calif. Michael grew up in Garden Grove, Calif., as the third of four children of George and Sally Monsoor. Never taking his eyes off the grenade, his next move was to throw himself down, holding it against his body to absorb the blast, saving the lives of his fellow servicemen. His life and unfortunate death are inspiring. On September 29, 2006, an insurgent threw a grenade onto a rooftop where Monsoor and several other SEALs and Iraqi soldiers were positioned. Instead, I smile at the Iraqi children when we pass them by. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. The picture shows Michael walking at the head of his platoon, through the war-torn streets of Ramadi. He was 25. Learn more about merges. The four had been working with Iraqi soldiers providing sniper security while U.S. and Iraqi forces conducted missions in the area. His funeral took place in October 12, 2006 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego.Other Navy SEALs lined the procession and slapped the trident devices from their uniforms to affix them onto the casket. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. I have looked at this picture over and over again and it speaks to me. In the picture, his brother SEALs are nearbybut Mikey is out front. His mother, Sally, when visiting him, said he hardly ever stopped running. Year should not be greater than current year. Introduction Michael Anthony Monsoor (05 April 1981 to 29 September 2006) was a United States Navy SEAL who was killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honour. Monsoor was born April 5, 1981, in Long Beach, California, the third of four children of Sally Ann (Boyle) and George Paul Monsoor. The Navy has operated on the 1,300 plus acres since the early 1960s, and is seeking to set aside an additional 4,486 acres of federal . When an insurgent's . Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? The Moving Funeral of Petty Officer Mike Monsoor-Truth! Paul Anthony Halladay, his platoon chaplain, was with Michael as he passed away approximately 30 minutes later. MASTER-AT-ARMS SECOND CLASS (SEA, AIR AND LAND) MICHAEL A. MONSOOR, MA2 MICHAEL A. MONSOOR, USN with sailors on his tour. Snopes.com says it believes the photo was taken at the funeral of SEAL James Suh, killed in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005. Moments later a fragmentation grenade bounced off his chest and landed on the ground. It represents the three aspects of SEAL special operations, sea, air, and land. The slaps were audible from across the cemetery; by the time the coffin arrived grave side, it looked as though it had a gold inlay from all the Tridents pinned to it. Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor received the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House April 8, 2008. Black Vietnam Vet Finally Awarded Medal of Honor, The Bravery of Medal of Honor Recipient Tech Sgt. He ran out into the street with another SEAL, shot cover fire and dragged his comrade to safety while enemy bullets kicked up the concrete at their feet. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. IN THE EARLY MORNING, INSURGENTS PREPARED TO EXECUTE A COORDINATED ATTACK BY RECONNOITERING THE AREA AROUND THE ELEMENT'S POSITION. The grenade hit him in the chest and bounced onto the deck. "He undoubtedly saved mine and the other SEALs'' lives, and we owe him." Weve updated the security on the site. I leave nothing but love and I have no regrets. Ramadi at the time was the epicenter of the insurgency in Iraq, a city filled with peril. Amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), amphibious transport docks USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), expeditionary mobile base USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5), and Philippine navy ships BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PS 15), and BRP Tarlac (FF 601) transit the South China Sea for Balikatan 23, April 19, 2023. Obituary. An insurgent closed in and threw a fragmentation grenade into the overwatch position. The slaps were reportedly heard across the. May the Lord continue to comfort you. Monsoor quickly smothered the grenade with his body, absorbing the resulting explosion and saving his comrades from serious injury or death. [18], A SEAL training facilitylocated about 50 miles (80km) east of San Diegowas renamed Mountain Warfare Training Camp Michael Monsoor. Mike and his platoon operated in a highly contested part of Ramadi city called the Ma'laab district. Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor, a Navy SEAL, was part of a sniper watch in Ramadi, Iraq, with three other SEALs and eight Iraqi soldiers when an insurgent threw a grenade into the position, according to the Navy. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. The Early Years. I know the importance of family because there is nothing more important to me, than my family. Search above to list available cemeteries. Get email updates about Michael A. Monsoor delivered directly to your inbox. The 1,063 acre site has a firing range, an administration building, and a dormitory. As described in the final two paragraphs of a Summary of Action (SOA) regarding the circumstances of his death: While vigilantly watching for enemy activity, an enemy fighter hurled a hand grenade onto the roof from an unseen location. His fellow soldiers told how he frequently attended mass with devotion before his operations. After BUD/S, he completed advanced SEAL training courses including parachute training at Basic Airborne School, Fort Benning, Ga., cold weather combat training in Kodiak, Alaska, and six months of SEAL Qualification Training in Coronado, graduating in March 2005. At his funeral in San Diego, California, SEALs lined up on both sides of the route of the pallbearers and loudly slapped gold tridents from their uniforms on the wooden casket as a tribute to their fallen comrade.The Truth:The story is true and, despite the comment about not being reported by the media, was given coverage by several news outlets across the U.S. including Fox news. A reception will be held on Thursday, May 4th 2023 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Eagle Hall at St. John. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Danian Douglas and Austin Rooney/Released). By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Petty Officer Monsoor reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. The Mountain Warfare Training Facility Camp Michael Monsoor is located 50 miles east of San Diego, near the city of Campo. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. While I only had talked to Monsoor for a brief time in BUD/s, he was in the BUD/s class ahead of me in Class 250, he was a dedicated and stand-up guy. . Failed to delete flower. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House April 8, 2008. USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001) will be commissioned into Navy service. Mike and two teammates had taken position on the outcropping of a rooftop when an insurgent grenade bounced off Mike's chest and landed on the roof. October 14, 2019 | Fort Sam Houston, TX. Thanks for your help! This was a fitting send-off for a warrior hero. A brotherhood bound by sweat and blood and tears. He was the ultimate teammate. I and the other members of SEAL Team Three, Task Unit Bruiser, had the honor of participating in the commissioning ceremony. Monsoor had also been posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his actions May 9, 2006 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. Are you sure that you want to delete this flower? He will receive the award for his actions in Ar Ramadi, Iraq on Sept. 29, 2006. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? As we approach the Anniversary of Mikey's sacrifice, I want to tell you about this man. Joan Elizabeth Brennan Donnelly, passed into the perpetual light on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in her home. It is the first Navy combat ship named for fallen Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions while serving in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006 (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart/Released). He has an older brother James and older sister Sara, and a younger brother Joseph. April 1, 2008 12 AM PT. Delta Platoon executed a broad spectrum of combat operations in and around Ramadi. ELEMENT SNIPERS THWARTED THE ENEMYS INITIAL ATTEMPT BY ELIMINATING TWO INSURGENTS. Never. He was a loyal friend and exceptional SEAL, and he is sorely missed by his brothers in Task Unit Bravo. The grenade detonated as he came down on top of it, mortally wounding him. He undoubtedly saved mine and the other SEALs lives.6, Another eyewitness described Michaels countenance, as completely calm, showing no fear only resolve., It could easily be said of him what Gen. Pericles said in his funeral oration for the warriors of ancient Athens, He passed away from the scene, not of his fear, but of his glory..