This is too important to ignore!
It is about time that another soldier got honored for bravery. This war is being fought by small units and when they get in trouble they drop a few bombs for so far over head that the plane is almost invisible.
Congratulations and condolences to the family of this true Hero.
http://www.blackfive.net/main/2009/07/sfc-jared-monti-medal-of-honor-afghanistan.html
SFC Jared Monti - Medal Of Honor (Afghanistan)
Posted By McQ[Bumped up due to announcement in an update below]
Greyhawk brings us the news that SFC Jaren Monti of Raynham, MA has posthumously been awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous valor above and beyond the call of duty.
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 the wounded 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.
Go on over to Mudville and read the whole thing.
You can go here to Pundit Review Radio (AM680 WRKO) and hear McQ talk about SFC Monti as Someone You Should Know. After McQ's tribute, they are joined by SFC Monti's father.
Update from Blackfive:
The White House just announced it. It's official (even if they botch his rank).
THE WHITE HOUSEOffice of the Press Secretary
_______________________________________________________________________________________FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2009On September 17, President Barack Obama will award Staff Sergeant Jared C. Monti, U.S. Army, the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry. Staff Sergeant Monti will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroic actions in combat in Afghanistan. He displayed immeasurable courage and uncommon valor - eventually sacrificing his own life in an effort to save his comrade. Staff Seargent Monti's parents, Paul Monti and Janet Monti will join the President at the White House to commemorate their son's example of selfless service and sacrifice.
PERSONAL BACKGROUND:
Jared C. Monti was born on September 20, 1975. He was a native of Raynham, Massachusetts. He graduated from Bridgewater-Raynham High School. He enlisted in the United States Army in March 1993. He attended Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
His military decorations include: the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, five Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, three Good Conduct Medals, three National Defense Service Medals, to name a few.
He is survived by his Father, Paul Monti, his Mother, Janet Monti, his Sister Niccole Monti, his Brother, Timothy Monti, and his Niece, Carys Monti.
He was posthumously promoted to Sergeant First Class.
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