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'''Michael A. Monsoor''' was a [[United States Navy]] [[Naval Special Warfare|SEAL]] posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, for his actions during [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]]. He was the third person to be awarded the medal for actions in [[Iraq]]; and the first member of the U.S. Navy.

'''Michael A. Monsoor''' was a [[United States Navy]] [[Naval Special Warfare|SEAL]] posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, for his actions during [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]]. He was the third person to be awarded the medal for actions in [[Iraq]]; and the first member of the U.S. Navy.

Petty Officer Monsoor entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, California, and subsequently graduated with Class 250 on Sept. 2, 2004 as one of the top performers in his class. After BUD/S, he completed advanced SEAL training courses including parachute training at Basic Airborne School, Fort Benning, [[Georgia]], cold weather combat training in Kodiak, [[Alaska]], and six months of SEAL Qualification Training in Coronado, graduating in March 2005. The following month, his rating changed from Quartermaster to Master-at-Arms, and he was assigned to SEAL Team 3 Delta Platoon. He deployed with his platoon to Iraq in April 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and was assigned to Task Unit Bravo in Ar Ramadi.  

Petty Officer Monsoor entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, California, and subsequently graduated with Class 250 on Sept. 2, 2004 as one of the top performers in his class. After BUD/S, he completed advanced SEAL training courses including parachute training at Basic Airborne School, Fort Benning, [[Georgia]], cold weather combat training in Kodiak, [[Alaska]], and six months of SEAL Qualification Training in Coronado, graduating in March 2005. The following month, his rating changed from Quartermaster to Master-at-Arms, and he was assigned to SEAL Team 3 Delta Platoon. He deployed with his platoon to Iraq in April 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and was assigned to Task Unit Bravo in Ar Ramadi.  

From April to September 29, 2006, Monsoor served as a heavy weapons machine gunner in Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3. During combat patrols he walked behind the platoon point man with his Mk 48 machinegun so that he could protect his platoon from a frontal enemy attack. Monsoor was also a SEAL communicator. On 15 operations, he carried a rucksack full of communications equipment in addition to his machinegun and full ammunition load-out. Collectively it weighed more than 100 pounds. He bore the weight without a single complaint, even in the midst of the 130 degree Western Iraqi summer.

From April to September 29, 2006, Monsoor served as a heavy weapons machine gunner in Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3. During combat patrols he walked behind the platoon point man with his Mk 48 machine gun so that he could protect his platoon from a frontal enemy attack. Monsoor was also a SEAL communicator. On 15 operations, he carried a rucksack full of communications equipment in addition to his machine gun and full ammunition load-out. Collectively it weighed more than 100 pounds. He bore the weight without a single complaint, even in the midst of the 130 degree Western Iraqi summer.

Monsoor and his platoon operated in a highly contested part of Ramadi city called the Ma'laab district. During their deployment, Monsoor and his fellow SEALS came under enemy attack on 75 percent of their missions. On May 9, 2006 Monsoor rescued a SEAL who was shot in the leg. He ran out into the street with another SEAL, shot cover fire and dragged his comrade to safety while enemy bullets kicked up the concrete at their feet. For this brave action, he earned a Silver Star.

Monsoor and his platoon operated in a highly contested part of Ramadi city called the Ma'laab district. During their deployment, Monsoor and his fellow SEALS came under enemy attack on 75 percent of their missions. On May 9, 2006 Monsoor rescued a SEAL who was shot in the leg. He ran out into the street with another SEAL, shot cover fire and dragged his comrade to safety while enemy bullets kicked up the concrete at their feet. For this brave action, he earned a Silver Star.