January 1, Navy SEAL Michael Monsoor Chose Death to Save His Brothers

Wyatt’s Take

• Heroic American sailor gave his life so others could live
• Story of selfless sacrifice proves true American values still exist
• Medal of Honor recipient showed courage that politicians could never match

Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor of the United States Navy gave everything for his fellow sailors on September 29, 2006. The young man made a split-second decision that defined true courage.

Monsoor served as an automatic weapons gunner in a combined SEAL and Iraqi Army sniper overwatch element during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was positioned on a rooftop between two fellow SEAL snipers when an enemy fighter threw a hand grenade onto their position.

The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest and fell to the ground. He was closest to the exit from their confined position. Instead of saving himself, he made a different choice.

“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.”

The explosion killed Monsoor but saved the two SEALs who survived the attack. He had the only clear escape route but refused to take it. His final act proved what real sacrifice looks like in wartime.

“Petty Officer Monsoor’s actions could not have been more selfless or clearly intentional. 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.”

Monsoor was survived by his mother Sally, father George, sister Sara, and brothers James and Joseph. His family carries the memory of a son who put others before himself in the most dangerous moment of his life.

“Rule number one is young men die. Rule number two is you can’t change rule number one. And rule number three, somebody must always walk point.”

Wyatt Matters

Real heroes don’t make speeches or chase headlines. They just do what’s right when everything is on the line, the same way working families put food on the table and keep their word no matter what comes their way.