SEAL's action are a profile in courage

This week's tale is a profile in courage. 

Petty Officer Michael Monsoor, U.S. Navy, Iraq. Monsoor was one of about 32 Navy SEALs fighting with the U.S. Army, Marine Corps and Iraq troops to regain control of Ramadi. He was lying on a rooftop between two snipers on the afternoon of Sept. 29, 2006. The three were providing cover for an Army patrol stringing concertina wire in a real yard.

The two snipers were lying low, with Monsoon kneeling. All of a sudden, a grenade sailed onto the rooftop hitting Monssor in the chest. He dropped on the grenade and absorbed the blast with his body, thereby saving the lives of the two SEALs with him. 

He was still alive, as he had body armor on him, but barely Both SEALs were also wounded, one of them, Lt. Seville called a nearby SEAL team for assistance from 150 meters away. 

They fought their way to Monsoor's position, but it was too late, Mike Monssoor died on the way to the hospital at Camp Ramadi.  

Previously, for courage under fire, Monsoor had already been awarded the Silver Star. For the above action which was "above and beyond the call of duty," the 25-year-old petty officer was awarded the Medal of Honor on April 8, 2008.

Roger Gregory is a Vietnam veteran and business owner in Priest River.