MOH (Posthumosly) to be awarded to SFC Monti for actions in Afghanistan

[agonyea]

Here is the latest news from Army Times:

Fallen soldier to receive Medal of Honor


By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Jul 23, 2009 16:28:01 EDT

Sgt. 1st Class Jared Monti, who was killed in Afghanistan June 21, 2006, will receive the Medal of Honor for his actions in combat, his father, Paul Monti, told Army Times in a telephone interview Thursday.

President Obama called Paul Monti, a retired school teacher, Tuesday evening at his home in Raynham, Mass., Monti said.

“The talk was very short and to the point. He said ‘hello, how are you?’ and I said ‘fine, Mr. President’ and then he told me the secretary of the Army and the secretary of defense have approved Jared for the Medal of Honor,” Monti said. “He said he was proud of Jared.”

Sgt. 1st Class Monti, 30, was assigned to 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, when he was killed in Afghanistan.

He will become the sixth service member to receive the Medal of Honor during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and the first soldier to receive the nation’s highest award for valor in Afghanistan.

His father said he will receive the award on behalf of his son at a ceremony will scheduled for a date in September.

The announcement of the award and the call from the president, he said, is “bittersweet” after the loss of his son.

“I’m reliving all of this all over again. I’d much rather have him than any medal,” Monti said.

Sgt. 1st Class Monti was single and had aspired to be a school teacher like his dad.

He told his father he didn’t want to marry until his commitment to the Army was complete.

“He told me ‘I’m not getting married while I’m in the military, I don’t want to leave a widow behind, I’ve seen too many of my soldiers go through that too many times,’ ” Monti recalled.

[agonyea]

Sgt. 1st Class Jared Monti, who was killed in Afghanistan June 21, 2006, will receive the Medal of Honor for his actions in combat, his father, Paul Monti, told Army Times in a telephone interview Thursday.

Here’s an account of the incident in which SFC Monti lost his life:


On 21 June 2006, SFC Monti, then a staff sergeant, was the assistant patrol leader for a 16-man patrol tasked to conduct surveillance in the Gowardesh region. The patrol was to provide up-to-date intelligence, interdict enemy movement and ensure early warning for the squadron’s main effort as it inserted into the province.

As nightfall approached, the patrol was attacked by a well organized enemy force of at least 60 personnel. Outnumbered four-to-one, SFC Monti’s patrol was in serious danger of being overrun.

The enemy fighters had established two support-by-fire positions directly above the patrol in a densely wooded ridgeline. SFC Monti immediately returned fire and ordered the patrol to seek cover and return fire. He then reached for his radio headset and calmly initiated calls for indirect fire and close air support (CAS), both danger-close to the patrol’s position. He did this while simultaneously directing the patrol’s fires.

When SFC Monti realized that a member of the patrol, Private First Class (PFC) Brian J. Bradbury, was critically wounded and exposed 10 meters from cover, without regard for his personal safety, he advanced through enemy fire to within three feet of PFC Bradbury’s position. But he was forced back by intense RPG fire. He tried again to secure PFC Bradbury, but he was forced to stay in place again as the enemy intensified its fires.

The remaining patrol members coordinated covering fires for SFC Monti, and he advanced a third time toward thewounded Soldier. But he only took a few steps this time before he was mortally wounded by an RPG. About the same time, the indirect fires and CAS he called for began raining down on the enemy’s position. The firepower broke the enemy attack, killing 22 enemy fighters. SFC Monti’s actions prevented the patrol’s position from being overrun, saved his team’s lives and inspired his men to fight on against overwhelming odds

[agonyea]

From Capt Joe Hansen 07/06/06:


I am a U.S. soldier serving in Northern Afghanistan.


SFC Jared Monti and I soldiered together these last few months here in these mountains.

SFC Monti fell in battle this last June repelling an enemy attack upon his position while simultaneously attempting to retrieve a wounded fellow soldier to a covered position.
The last time we spoke, we talked about things soldiers talk about. Sitting on the edge of our cots, elbows on our knees and heads hung while we spoke. We knew. We knew what we were. What we are. What we were doing here in Afghanistan. You were proud of your boys and I was proud with you Jared. Getting up, you grabbed your kit and headed out to lead another patrol.

“Take care of yourself, monti”, I said. Not knowing that I would never see you again.

You never do. I can see you still, grin and all. “See you on the high ground, sir”.
Monti, I say to you now what I could not then. That I hold you in awe, in awe of your nobility, your courage and your unfailing compassion for your men and these people of Afghanistan
It is men such as Jared Monti that we are who we are. Who we could be.
Sergeant Monti was a American Soldier, he was a leader of men and he was my brother.
He was that which makes us salute when we see our nations flag,.. and cry when we remember.
It is men such as this that shrouds us with our freedom at home and provides us our armor in battle.
It is men such as this that we pause and sigh in the half light of our lives and wish it were otherwise.
It is men such as Sergeant First Class Jared Monti that makes me proud to be an American Soldier.
It has been my greatest privilege and my honor to serve alongside you Monti.

“I’ll see you on the high ground.”

Captain Joe Hansen
TF Spartan
U.S. Army

[agonyea]

"Jared,
I can't begin to even tell you how proud I am of you. The kids talk about you everyday and miss the Army games you played with them in the back yard, the long talks we had in the garage and how you loved to sleep in your truck instead of the bed they made you downstairs(LOL) I am so proud that you are being honored for your heroic efforts with the CMOH. Now the entire world for many years to come will get to share a little peice of you in History that we are so proud to be a part of. We all miss you and love you very much. You are in our thoughts daily. Russ says; Here is a Heinekin and an Avo in your honor! We love you
Tricia Russell, and Kids"
Patricia Corsini of Plymouth, Massachusetts

"My name is Chris Bruce and I have been wearing the braclet of SFC Monti for 2 years know. I bought it at the POW-MIA recognition day in Boston, when my self and my Honor Guard were there in the ceremony. I am the Assistant to the Director at the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford,Ma. We help veterans of past and present conflicts that are in need of "A Hand Up Not A Hand Out". I never knew SFC Monti but reading the other messages left it has given me a better understanting of what a great soldier and family member he was. As an Army, 11Bravo Veteran of Fort Drum, Bco.2-22 INF my self I know how your platoon and unit become like family to you real fast. I hope that all that knew him keep the good memorys close to your heart and not forget them. Every day that I wear this braclet I will make sure to inform people that this braclet is worn to show respect and pay Honor to a fellow brother in arms that payed the ultimate sacrafice for our freedom. I will then tell them a little about him. My email is Chris@vetshouse.org if any one would like to talk to me about this great soldier. God bless and God spead to our soldiers in returning home."
Chris Bruce of New Bedford, Ma

"SSG Monti was my garrison section Sergeant back in HHB/3-71 CAV when I was a 2nd Lieutenant at FT Drum. He was a great mentor and a good friend.

On the bright side: He loved cooking eggplant, eating dunkin donuts and disliked clam chowder. I think he ate too much new England clam chowder as a kid.

Thank you for the memories and unwavering brotherly love. I will always remember you until the day I die."
CPT Hooker, HHB 1-15th FA Commanding of Camp Hovey, S.Korea

"To the family of:Jared C.Monti I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"


"December 25, 2007
Proud to be your friend and lucky to have known you as I did. Merry Christmas Monti, miss ya always bro."
TAC of Raynham, MA USA

"I wear a KIA bracelet in honor of SFC Monti and I have the privilege of serving with him in OEF VII. He was the first TC I went out on mission with. He was a great leader, true friend, and superior soldier and he will be remembered forever and sadly missed."
SSG Guaschino of FT Knox KY

"My heart goes out to the Monti family and friends. I enjoyed having Jared in my 6th grade class. He was such a joy to teach. Even at a young age, I knew Jared had so much to offer the world. I appreciated all he did for his country."
Mary O'B'rien of Mansfield, Ma

"Jared, just thinking about you today brother and want to let you no that you are very missed. God bless you and your family." "Bobby T."
CW2 Robert Taylor of Gouverneur, NY

"September 11, 2007
To the family of Sgt. 1st Class Jared C. Monti:
Jared gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"~Monti has been a long time mentor to me. He was my first team leader and a good friend in the 82nd. As a young soldier, Monti taught me everything I needed to know about the Army, and not just job related. A large majority of his time was dedicated to me as a new private in the 82nd Airborne. His best and most memorable lessons were the many nights of drinking together! Also, how to be easy going, 'don't take no %$#@,' roll with the punches and how to be down to earth in the fast paced 82nd. His lessons translate into everyday life. He will be missed by me and by many others of those souls he has touched.

~Jared was the first true inspiration to me. I know I'll be looking up towards the heavens today thanking him for his leadership and mentorship he has shown me. I just re-enlisted for another six years and it's people like Jared that have kept me going strong in this Army. He had all the right core values and taught them to me, not just in military terms but in terms of a friend and person who you would want to be beside you for the rest of your life. It's just a shame I never got to speak to Jared again after I left Bragg. He really did this world some good. He has made a big impact on my life and all his friends lives! He is and always will be missed.

~One night I got caught drinking underage by CID on base. They turned me over to my chain of command. Jared, who was my first line leader, was awoken from bed and was the first to know about it. I was one month from being 21. I'll never forget that long hard night, morning, next day, and week of discipline that Jared worked into me. He told me if you're old enough to go off to battle and defend this country, you're old enough to drink. He disciplined me for the stupidity of me getting caught, not because it was a written law. I hated Jared for that next week but he never let the word of that incident go past him keeping me from lossing my rank and money, and letting me keep the very pride that he had instilled in to me. I knew he truly cared about the good of people.

~My prayers go out the Monti family from a dear past friend and fellow comrade of Jared C. Monti. He is and always will be my hero and be missed!"
SSG Lance Harding of 38th Infantry Division, Ohio Army National Guard

"Jared,
It has been one year today. It still doesn't seem real, but somehow I know it is. I don't know if my heart will ever truly heal. I thought I knew what a broken heart was. Now I know for sure what one is. I love and miss you so much. You, Tim, and myself will always be mom's three little kittens.

Love,
Your sister Niccole"
Niccole of Winterville, NC USA

"That night broke my heart, I wish your boss would have let us go."
DET CDR of 773

"God Bless..."
Jill Desmond, widow Sgt. Dennis J Boles of Homosassa, FL USA

"Jared Monti was my older cousin and someone i admired and looked up to. When i first found out i lost my cousin it didn't seem real and at times it still doesn't and it's almost been one year. Not a day goes by that i don't think of him and remember all the good he did, not just for his country but for me as well. He was a proud man and im honored that he is my cousin. I love you Jared and i will always remember. 1-4-3"
Krystin of Bridgewater, Ma

"I served with Monti in the 319th.We last crossed paths in Afghanistan in 03.Monti was a great solder who was always ready for what ever task was at hand. I will never forget Monti always a good time to be had when he was near. I will never forget the stories Monti was the original Charlie rock thinking man. You are forever in the hearts you have touched Monti Take care"
Sgt Kern of Sacramento, Ca

"Monti, I love ya and miss ya man. U know i could sit here with the rest of the guys and fill 1000 pages of stories and memories we all had. Your memory will live on forever from what you have achieved and done and we will all make sure of that as u have. Your bravery is unheralded and puts a permanant stamp on what it is to be a leader in this country. You appreciated everyone and everything around you everyday of your life, and that is a very rare quality that most people don't have bro. Plus u had a much larger set of balls than most others. I know your followin me here and we all know how fearless Jared could be. You are a true hero in all of our eyes and in the eyes of this country. U left us too early but you left us doing what you loved and what you truly believed in and we all knew that and so did you. I miss hangin with ya Monti, all the crazy, fun and hilarious times. I miss the phone calls you use to randomly do at all hours from different bases u were at jus to see and say whats been goin on and to see how we were all doin. All of our hearts are with ya bro, you know that. Jared i'll see ya on the otherside soon enough. Monti u were one of the best friends a person could have and you were a hero in life. So many look up to you and your accomplishments and good nature and that is what we set out to do in life in the first place, and u you achieved this without hesitation. Be proud of yourself buddy, i know thats always been hard for you to do, but you can take home so much pride in all the people you have helped, saved, and blessed. It meant alot to many many people and friends you have in this world and you will never ever be forgotten for it. You are thought about on a daily basis by all and it will always be appreciated and remembered and thats what is important. You were a true man and a true hero. Monti I miss ya bro, we all do. When we meet again, we'll be hangin like old times, I know you'll be waitin and ready for us. We never grow old and I got us a whole new bunch of trouble we can get ourselves into you crazy son of a *. Boy the situations u'd create. Some funny * man. Miss ya, Love ya bro.

JARED C. MONTI

Gone But Never To Be Forgotten
A True American man and soldier
A Fallen Hero missed by all who knew
and loved him
A True Friend
A True Military Man
A man of his word and a heart of gold
Gone But Never To Be Forgotten

I'll cya at that 59 School St. in the sky buddy
Jus like old times, miss ya bro
Your Friend Always
TAC"
Matt "TAC" Tarentino of Raynham, MA USA

"I just thought I would share a memory that I have of Jared. Jared and I were roommates when we were stationed at Ft.Bragg. We went in together on all the furniture. I come home one day and our $500.00 table was gone! I asked Jared what happened to it and he said, " I gave it away." Ofcourse I was pissed! He said ,"One of my soldiers didnt have a table and his kids were eating on the floor holding their plates... So we will just have to find another place to play Quarters!" What could I say to that? That is the type of person Jared Monti was! The best! Jared didnt just become a hero that day on the mountian, He has been a hero ever since I have known him! I will miss you forever brother! FIST lead the way!"
Jeff Bolding of Centerton, AR.

"I just wanted to say thank you to all the soldiers out there who risk their lives every day to preserve my freedom.
Jared, I miss you so much. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. You are the first thing I think about when I wake up and the last one on my mind when I go to sleep.
It is the soldier, not the reporter who gave us freedom of press
It is the soldier, not the poet, who gave us freedom of speech
It is the soldier, not the politician, who gave us the freedom to vote
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gave us the freedom to demonstrate
It is the soldier, not the lawyer, who gave us the right to a fair trial
It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves under the flag, and whose coffin is draped beneath the flag, who gives the protester the right to burn the flag

I love you Jared,
Your sister Niccole"
Niccole Monti of Winterville, NC USA

"To the Monti Family,
I just wanted to let you know that I'm still praying for you and that there is not a day that goes by that I don't think about Jared. Nicole thanks for talking to me that night and hearing what I had to say. Jared I love you brother."
SFC Matthew E. Hatfield of HHC 2-508th PIR, FOB Ghazni, Afghanistan

"Jared,
You are true soldier and NCO-you put the lives of your fellow soldiers ahead of your own when you saved two soldiers who were wounded-you are true hero. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Gallantly Forward"(71st Cav Motto)"


"Jared Monti was a friend that you could always count on. The years I was friends with him I will NEVER forget. His memory will always be with me. It was an honor of mine to talk to his family on how strong and loved he was! I will never forget you MONTI. "commander monti""
SSG Matt Cusson of Fort Drum, NY

"I dont know where I would start. I can only imagine how hard this has been on everyone. It has been 7 months and still hits me like a brick. From day one when Jared and I landed in Inchon we were right back in AIT in 93. Goofin off as only Fisters can. From the dives he took when we were running to make gate and the soldiers he mentored, there is a place in my memory that will never faulter thanks to knowing him. I doubt many people truly grasp what selfless service embodies. Jared knew exactly what it meant. Jared is a man that knew how to work hard and play even harder and I am positive that he instilled that in his soldiers. Rest easy bro! Rock Hard Fisters never die!"
SSG DeBinion, FIST veteran of Glendora, CA

"I Love you always, and miss you dearly. I will never forget the times we shared and the plans we had. You have a place in my heart forever. I Love you Jared!"
Love Sherri Buck of Carthage, NY

"SFC Monti, I loved you and you are responsible for the man and solider I am today. I will pray forever to meet you in the afterlifre. chaos.out."
SGT. Wolfanger, Matthew of Afghanistan

"Those who meet him and service with him, love him and know how he love to be a soldier. To me and my family you were a friend, an uncle to my kids, a brother. Thanks GOD for the opportunity to meet you and shared so many moments in the 82nd ABN and in 10th MTN, we will never forget your sacrifice. GOD may bless your family and bring them peace."
CW2 Luis A. Rodriguez of Bagram, Afghanistan

"God Bless your efforts & may you be in God's arms safely watching over your family! We never met but share the same surname. Thank you for your sacrafice & dedication to keeping our country & my family safe.

You & your family will be in my prayers!"
Adam J. Monti of Howell (formerly Brooklyn NY) New Jersey

"To Jared's family, I wish that you could have seen your son in action. He was a truly rare person, hard working, honest to a fault, and actually cared for his soldiers. He was one of my first bosses, and the example I try to follow now with my soldiers. I told him once on our ill fated trip to Plymouth that he was the best damn NCO I ever had. He shrugged it off with his patented "Well, I guess" move. I meant it, and will miss him deeply."
SSG Saulnier of Ft. Bliss

"I am forever in debt for Jared's act of heroism, because it was my son-in-law Derek that he saved that day in Afghanistan. He was the the one listed as wounded during the fire fight.

Heathe Craig, the soldier who pulled him out in chopper and died while trying to pull PVC Bradbury is also directly reponsible for Derek's survival.

According to Derek, Jared was the best dam Sargent he ever had. He died trying to save not only Derek but Pat Lybert that day. The details that Derek instilled upon his r&r in July still bring tears to my eyes this day.

If only we had a chance to meet, I'm quite sure that we would have become friends as we (Jared and I) are the same age.

If you ever need anything, this family is forever indebted to Jared, and forever proud and thankful for Jared saving Derek's life that day

Thank you Jared."
Bob Crown of Coshocton, Ohio

"We were the only two Italian guys from the Northeast that carried shotguns and drank coffee when it was 100 degrees outside. For the two years that I served with you it has been great, because of your knowlege I think I could call in a tactical nuke strike. I will never forget 21 June as long as I live and I will see ya on the high Ground
LT Favuzzi
3rd Squadron 71st Cavalry"
LT Favuzzi of Afghanistan

"Jared, I wish I could sit down and talk to you one more time. You truly are a hero not because you servered our country but because you where a great cousin. You are the person I will always look up to.

Your cousin,
Katie"
Katie Monti of Pembroke, MA

"Jared it has been two months since I last heard your voice.I would give anything to hear you just one more time.To all who met jared-not one of us can say he did not affect us in some way.Jared made me a better man and I owe him everything!!!To the monti faily and all who ever met jared,We are all blessed to have been in the presence of a true angel.love ya bro,"miss you 4-eva"..."
Charlie of Florida

"SFC Monti,
There's so much to say about you. You were an awesome leader, and outstanding soldier and a mentor. I looked up to you, I still look up to you. I know you're in a better place now. I'll never forget you man. You'll always be in my thoughts and prayers. What you did that night will NEVER be forgotton. We miss you man. I know you're watching down on us. We'll make you proud.
-Lunchbox"
Spc. Villaverde of 3/71 Afghanistan

"Monti, I just wanted to say thanks for everything and you will be greatly missed Bro. You and the time we spent together in OEF and in Drum will be with me forever. When they say,"WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN" their talking about guys such as yourself. Rest in peace brother. FISTERS LEAD THE WAY!
Sincerly,"
Mike Powers of Crown Point, IN. U.S.A.

"You were my Leader, my Comrade, and my Friend. I hope that I have become half the Soldier that you were. You were rough around the edges, but that is why I loved you so much. There are many Soldiers who talk the talk, but only so few that walk the walk. You my dear friend walked the walk. I know in my heart that you gave them Hell. I know you did because I would have done the same because that is the way you taught me to be. I will pass on the Warrior Spirit to my Paratroopers that you passed on to me. I love you brother."
SFC Matthew E. Hatfield of 2-508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fort Bragg NC

""Jared C.Monti"

Jared C.Monti
American Heroe
Respectful
Excepting
Determined
Caring
Memorable
Optomistic
Never Forget
Terrific person
Independent



"Jared, You were a family member and friend to so many. There are not words to describe the loss we have all felt, we live such sheltered lives thinking this could never happen to us. You were the best at everything you touched and continue to shine your greatness on us everyday. We love you and miss you. Our hero!

Love you

Your cousin-Kim"
Kimberly Poore of Virginia Beach, Va



"Jared,
Ever since we were children, I have been PROUD to have you as my cousin. As a child, I told all my friends about the cool trick you could do on a bicycle and as an adult, I told them all about my handsome cousin in the Army. Today more than ever, I can say that I'm PROUD to have you as my COUSIN.
It's nothing new to miss you but now there is no end. I'll cherish all the moments we spent together but always wish there were more. Perhaps someday we'll meet again and finally get to party together like we always said we would (drinks and poker was the plan, right?). Until then, know that I love you and will always be proud of you. XOXO"
Leslie Currie of Abington, MA/USA

"One of the finest leaders I have had the honor to serve with. Both in the 82nd and 2 ID. Words cannot express how I felt hearing this news. I will miss you greatly, and was honored to be able to call you my friend. My heart goes out to your family."
SSG Michael Ricciardi of Fort Bragg, NC

"One of the finest leaders I have had the honor to serve with. Both in the 82nd and 2 ID. Words cannot express how I felt hearing this news. I will miss your greatly, and was honored to be able to call you my friend. My heart goes out to your family."
SSG Michael Ricciardi of Fort Bragg, NC

"Monti I will miss ya deeply, the words of encouragement and the experinces with the stories you would tell. Friend thier is a empty feeling without you here with us. I will alwas remember you and the way you could make us laugh. GOD BLESS YA"
SSG CORY GRINNELL of AFGHANISTAN

"To my cousin Jared: I didn't get to see you much after you graduated high school because you answered your calling - to serve your country and help others and that is how you gave your own life, helping others. I am so proud an honored to be known as your cousin, for you are without a doubt the bravest man I know and my 3 children will continue to know what a hero you are. I will always remember you as the chubby little baby that I used to love to hold so much, the Sunday's we used to eat homemade pasta with all of our other cousins at Nana & Grampa's but most of all, I will remember you, the strong, brave, handsome man that you became, looking so much like your dad. There will always be an emptiness in our family that will never be filled. I love you, Jared Christopher Monti. Lisa"
Lisa (Sheehan) Varrasso of Whitman, MA

"To all who remember my beloved son, SFC Jared C. Monti,
I wish to thank all who have sent their condolences and prayers to me and my family. My son was my hero. My heart has a huge hole in it which will never be filled. Jared was a good man with a kind and gentle heart. His good deeds, patriotism, and loving nature will live on forever.God bless you all.
P. T. Monti"
Paul Monti of Raynham, MA

"I got the news on thursday(24th) about 4:55pm about Jared. So i called our friend Charlie. We talked about Jared and i can tell you this, we already knew before the reports were in, how he died. He died trying to rescue someone, without a shadow of i doubt i knew and Charlie knew it. I knew if something happened to my friend it would happen while he was trying to save someone else. I have known Jared for 25 years and he is the bravest man i ever knew. I love you Jared and i will miss you."
Chris Costa of Raynham, MA, USA

http://www.fallenheroesmemorial.com/...ntijaredc.html

[JJ_BPK]

RIP SFC Monti, Vaya con Dios..

[paratroop77]

Blue Skies Brother.

[Ranger1]

Hard looking guy. The 10thMTN are getting a lot of good work done these days.

Rest in Peace SFC Monti, you'll never be forgotten.

[Scout3474]

RIP brother, thank you for your bravery and sacrifice

[Husker19D30]

RIP Sergeant. Thank you.

[agonyea]

Thank you for your service, and sacrifice to this nation.


Obama to present MoH to Monti family Thursday


The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is presenting the Medal of Honor for the first time.

The posthumous recipient is a soldier who sacrificed his life saving a comrade in Afghanistan. Obama plans to present the honor Thursday to the family of Sgt. 1st Class Jared Monti during a ceremony at the White House.

Officials announced in July that Monti would posthumously receive the honor. He is the second service member to receive the award for actions in Afghanistan, with Navy Lt. Michael Murphy being the other.

The White House says Monti showed selfless service and sacrifice on during combat. Obama will appear with Monti’s parents in the East Room.

Monti was a native of Raynham, Mass. He previously was awarded a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, five Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals and three National Defense Service Medals

[theWookie]

Here is a link to the local new reports on SFC Monti

http://www.enterprisenews.com/news/s...ng-Jared-Monti

I read a story yesterday where SFC Monti's father said that his son threw a grenade towards the enemy moments before he was KIA, which turned out to be a dud. They have said if that grenade was live/worked, that SFC Monti might be alive today.

RIP Soldier. Thanks for your service, and your sacrifice.

[SOTB]

Originally Posted by theWookie

They have said if that grenade was live/worked, that SFC Monti might be alive today....

Considering the amount of ammo expended up to that point in the battle, on both sides, I believe the above statement only serves to detract from SFC Monti's work and efforts.

RIP SFC Monti....

[theWookie]

Originally Posted by SOTB

Considering the amount of ammo expended up to that point in the battle, on both sides, I believe the above statement only serves to detract from SFC Monti's work and efforts.

RIP SFC Monti....

Right, I understand what your saying, perhaps quotation marks or a link to where it was said by his fellow soldiers would help keep it in perspective.

[Dark Helmet]

This was on the front page of the Wall Street Journal today. Full color, huge photo!

Good on you, Dow-Jones!

[Hopeless Civilian]

Fox News to show SFC Monti's medal ceremony at 2pm eastern, 1pm central today.

[Sltwtr1]

RIP brother.....

I am watching the MOH ceremony.... I am not going to lie and say I am not getting a little choked up..... I am very proud of SFC Monti.

Sltwtr1

OUT

[Ole crusty bastard]

I don't know why, but I was crying as the lady read the citation.

I salute SFC Monti and all those in harms way.

[medic101]

Same with me OCB. RIP brother. Your family is in my prayers.

You should check out the full narrative of the fight.

http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/monti/narrative.html

It is written by the other patrol leader on the mission, Chris Cunningham. He is an RI at 6th right now. His brother is in my unit and I watched the ceremony with him today.

[Spinner]

Rest in Peace, SFC Monti.

[agonyea]

I would like to add theses photo's of the ceromony:

WASHINGTON - Paul Monti carries the Medal of Honor that was posthumously awarded to his son, U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Jared C. Monti, after a ceremony in the East Room of the White House September 17, 2009 in Washington, DC. Sgt. Monti was killed June 21, 2006 in Afghanistan while attempting to rescue one of his fellow soldiers and fighting off an attack from insurgents. The Medal of Honor is given to a soldier "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty." (Chip Somodevilla / ***** Images)

[agonyea]

Members of the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division unit that were with Sergeant First Class Jared C. Monti when he was killed stand and are recognized by U.S. President Barack Obama (R) during a Monti's posthumous Medal of Honor ceremony in the East Room of the White House September 17, 2009 in Washington, DC. Sgt. Monti was killed June 21, 2006 in Afghanistan while attempting to rescue one of his fellow soldiers and fighting off an attack from insurgents. The Medal of Honor is given to a soldier 'for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.' ***** Images

[BIGCATM203]

RIP SFC Monti. He is buried in the National Cem. in Bourne,MA. His resting place is not far from my buddy SPC Michael Beltran.