Navy SEAL Michael Monsoor Honored for Heroic Sacrifice

Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor of the United States Navy sacrificed his life on September 29, 2006, to save his fellow sailors during Operation Iraqi Freedom. His story is now being told in the Fox Nation documentary, "Man of Honor: The Michael Monsoor Story."

Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in a ceremony at the White House on April 8, 2008. The Navy described his actions as "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty."

While serving as an automatic weapons gunner in a sniper overwatch element in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, Monsoor was positioned in a confined space on a rooftop with two other SEALs. An enemy fighter threw a hand grenade onto the roof, which landed near the SEALs. Monsoor, positioned closest to the exit, immediately alerted his teammates and threw himself onto the grenade, smothering its blast to protect them. The grenade detonated as he landed on it, mortally wounding him.

The Navy statement detailed that Monsoor had a clear escape route but chose instead to sacrifice himself. "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."

Max Bacall, an associate editor for Fox News Digital, noted that Monsoor was remembered by his brothers in Task Unit Bravo as "one of the bravest men on the battlefield, never allowing the enemy to discourage him."

Monsoor was survived by his mother Sally, his father George, his sister Sara, and his two brothers, James and Joseph.