Michael Fumento writes in the New York Post today of the memories held by those who best knew Medal of Honor recipient Michael Monsoor, plus his own:
APRIL 2006: I was embedded as a photo-journalist in the meanest part of the meanest city in Iraq — Ramadi. Here the bad guys ruled. Leaving your base camp virtually guaranteed a fight. I got one the first day. When shots rang out, I jumped into the street and started snapping away. I looked back and saw a tall Navy SEAL seemingly pointing his MK48 medium machine gun right at me. In fact, he was protecting me and his teammates.
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Yesterday, in one of the most secure areas of the world, the White House, it was time for this strange reunion, to celebrate the fourth Medal of Honor given for actions in Iraq — all posthumous. The survivors of SEAL Team 3 showed up, including one blinded in both eyes. Representatives of 1/506th were present, as well as various dignitaries, to hear President Bush praise Monsoor’s actions and give the medal to his proud but weeping parents.“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,” his citation read in part.
But the SEALs have their own ways of honoring their fallen. In an earlier action, for which he was also decorated, Monsoor had saved yet another SEAL’s life. His Aunt Patty sent me a photo she’d received of a tattoo that the SEAL had imprinted on his arm. The tattoo shows Monsoor with his machine gun and in full battle dress, but also wearing angel wings. Alongside it is the prayer to Saint Michael, which some Catholics recite in defense against the forces of darkness. The prayer entreats the Archangel to “defend us in battle” and be our protection against wickedness.
At the Pentagon today, MA2 (SEAL) Monsoor will be inducted into the Hall of Heroes and his family will receive a flag for Medal of Honor recipients at the Navy Memorial.