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Thursday, June 24, 2010

THANKFUL THURSDAY


Medal of Honor citation


For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sergeant First Class Monti distinguished himself at the cost of his life while serving as a team leader with the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3d Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan on 21 June 2006. On that day, Sergeant First Class Monti was leading a mission to gather intelligence and to direct fires against the enemy in support of a squadron-size interdiction mission. While at an observation position on top of a mountain ridge, Sergeant First Class Monti’s sixteen-man patrol came under attack by a superior force consisting of as many as 50 enemy fighters. On the verge of being overrun, Sergeant First Class Monti directed his patrol to set up a hasty defensive position behind a collection of rocks. He then began to call for indirect fire from a nearby support base; accurately bringing the rounds upon the enemy who had closed to within 50 meters of his position. 

While still calling for fire, Sergeant First Class Monti personally engaged the enemy with his rifle and a grenade, successfully disrupting an attempt to flank the patrol. Sergeant First Class Monti then realized that one of his Soldiers was lying wounded and exposed in the open ground between the advancing enemy and the patrol’s position. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant First Class Monti moved from behind the cover of the rocks into the face of withering enemy fire. After closing within meters of his wounded Soldier, the heavy volume of fire forced Sergeant First Class Monti to seek cover. Sergeant First Class Monti then gathered himself and rose again to maneuver through a barrage of enemy fire to save his wounded Soldier. 

Again, Sergeant First Class Monti was driven back by relentless enemy fire. Unwilling to leave his Soldier wounded and exposed, Sergeant First Class Monti made another attempt to move across open terrain and through the enemy fire to the aide of his wounded Soldier. On his third attempt, Sergeant First Class Monti was mortally wounded, sacrificing his own life in an effort to save his Soldier. Sergeant First Class Monti’s acts of heroism inspired the patrol to fight off the larger enemy force. 

Sergeant First Class Monti’s immeasurable courage and uncommon valor were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, 3d Squadron 71st Cavalry Regiment, the 3d Brigade Combat Team, the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), and the United States Army.

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Additional Military Awards

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Monti's awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal (5), Army Achievement Medal (4), Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal (2), Korean Defense Service Medal (2), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2), Kosovo Campaign Medal (2), Non-Commissioned Officer Development Ribbon (2), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge.

15 comments:

PTSD, A Caregiver's Perspective said...

Can you imagine how many hearts this fine warrior has touched? The family of the soldier he tried to save, the patrol that went on to fight and overcome the enemy and the family members of each of those men.

The world at large that hears about such gallantry and of course his own family who must live with the duality of harboring such pride for his heroic act and the heartache of the loss of a husband, father, brother, son.

Betty Manousos said...

I absolutely admire all those brave men!
Men capable of amazing grace!!
Loved your comments as usual.
And I highly appreciate them!!!
Thank you so much!

~B ;)

Betty Manousos said...

It's me.

red.neck chic said...

That's amazing - awe inspiring - and kinda makes me want to be a better person.

:-D xoxo
robelyn

Heart2Heart said...

Kurt,

This is always a wonderful reminder of the bravery that is showed in the face of battle that few ever get to see or hear.

Well done.

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Red Shoes said...

There are those who are selfless... and are willing to put anything and everything above themselves for the benefits of others...

This would have been one fine sergeant to have served with!!

May He Rest In Peace...

~shoes~

Alice in Wonderland said...

Sigh,......you know my thoughts about this, and I have a sneaking suspicion that the other guy may be... well, we'll leave that up to the readers imagination.

Very moving post, Kurt, maybe that isn't quite the word that I'm looking for, but you know what I mean.
Big, big hugs!

Cloudia said...

bless him and all the brave!

come see my RIMPAC post.




Aloha from Hawaii

Comfort Spiral

Anonymous said...

Thank you to this man and his family for their sacrifice...

Ms. A said...

Beautifully touching tribute. God bless him.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Reading of the courageous and unselfish acts of people like this, it's inspiring, faith in humanity restoring, and heartbreaking at the same time.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Heidi said...

Sobering. I sit and try to find words for the comment box after reading a post such as this. None are sufficient. Sheds a good deal of light on the fact that someone actually did this very thing for me.

Betty Manousos said...

Just passing by to say hello!
Have a great Friday, Kurt!
Love and hugs!
~B

Marnie said...

What a brave and selfless act. I have complete gratitude for people who defend our country.

Great post.