Rocketman, Tulsa (7/24/2009 11:50:54 AM)

Our fallen heros deserve a bit more don't you think?

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. SFC Monti epitomizes what it means to be an NCO. Because of his personal sacrifice and selfless service to the Army, the men of his patrol are alive today and continue the fight.

Barleybaby, Tulsa (7/24/2009 11:54:55 AM)

Thank you for your sacrifice Staff Sgt. Jared C. Monti. Our fallen hero will not be forgotten.

Polly Wog, Tulsa (7/24/2009 7:13:20 PM)

God bless you, brother. Millions sleep soundly because of the few like you who protect our interests around the world. You will not be forgotten.

Thank you, Paul and Janet, for teaching your child to be a man other men can only try to become.

Iamwatchingu, Broken Arrow (7/24/2009 11:02:06 AM)

It is an Honor to have this awards presented to his family. I wish the TW would let the readers know what took place for him to earn our highest military award. From a Marine Semper Fi GOD Speed

Iamwatchingu, Broken Arrow (7/24/2009 12:54:13 PM)

Thank you rocketman for your post. Once again Thank you SSGT Monti we salute you.

happy8003104b, Tulsa (7/24/2009 12:34:02 PM)

There are still heros in this country.