Jared C. Monti – Medal of Honor

President Barack Obama will posthumously award Army Sgt. 1st Class Jared C. Monti the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry in Afghanistan, White House officials announced on July 24, 2009.

The fallen soldier’s parents, Paul and Janet Monti, are scheduled to attend the White House ceremony. Monti also is survived by his sister, Niccole; his brother, Timothy; and his niece, Carys.

The Medal of Honor has been conferred on 3,447 men and one woman since President Abraham Lincoln signed it into law on Dec. 21, 1861. It is reserved for those who are distinguished “by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.” 
By Samantha L. Quigley,
American Forces Press Service.

"Sergeant First Class (SFC) Jared C. Monti, a Military Occupational Specialty 13F Fire Support Specialist, was a Targeting NCO assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York. He distinguished himself by acts of conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty against an armed enemy in Gowardesh, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan.

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."

You can see the Channel 5 coverage/interview with his father here

Jared’s mother wrote:

"This guy is my son, SFC Jared C. Monti. He died 6-21-06 trying to save the lives of 3 of his fellow soldiers.Brian Bradbury would have survived if the cable lifting him up to the helicopter didn’t snap..he fell to his death. The helicopter pilot lost control due to that mishap & he crashed & died. Jared was shot twice while trying to save his comrads. Patrick was dead before he hit the ground, Jared was killed while trying to retrieve his body. The medic trying to save his life was also killed. He managed to save one soldier his name is Derek. My son did what his does best looking out for his “boys” as he called them. He gave his life to save another and it’s not the first time he risked his life saviing his platoon. He received 2 Bronze Stars for both instances, the first one on his first tour in Afghanistan. I miss him more than words can express, will grieve his loss till the day I die but I have never been so proud.

That’s who this guy was!"

Janet Monti
Gold Star Mother

About Jared

"SFC Monti enlisted in the U.S. Army March 1993, and attended basic training and advanced individual training at Fort Sill, OK, earning his Military Occupational Specialty of 13F (Forward Observer). He is a graduate of Joint Firepower Controller Course, basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Warrior Leader Course, Airborne and Air Assault.

SFC Monti was assigned as a Forward Observer in headquarters and headquarters troop, 3rd squadron, 71st Cavalry, 10th Mountain Division (light infantry). He was deployed to Afghanistan with Task Force Spartan in Feb. 2006. He was an outstanding leader who constantly motivated his soldiers and ensured that his unit was always ready to fight and win.

His career culminated with Task Force Spartan while conducting combat operations in the mountains near Gowardesh, Afghanistan. His recon team occupied a surveillance position when they were attacked by a large enemy force on the afternoon of June 21. SFC Monti was killed in action by enemy fire in the subsequent engagement.

His awards include the Bronze Star Medal (1OLC), Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal (4OLC), Army Achievement Medal (3OLC), Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal (2), Korean Defense Service Medal (2), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2), Kosovo Campaign Medal (2), Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (2), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Combat ction Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge.

SFC Monti was a graduate of Bridgewater-Raynham High School, Class of 1994. He was in the Iron Man Triathalon, competed in various competitions in the Army and was the N.E. Weightlifting Champion at age 17. Jared loved fishing, hunting, camping, sports and enjoyed spending time with his cousins and his niece, Carys."  …Jared Memorial Scholarship Fund

Recently Dad read this comment on anoother site that pretty well sums it up:

"A short while ago, I heard a saying that sum’s up the Valor of those who have been awarded the MOH. "Courage is not the absence of fear. Rather, acting in the best intrest of others, inspite of the fear." God Save our Brave and Courageous Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines!"

"The world is an emptier place without someone like him. It’s good he is getting an earthly recognition for what surely he has already been rewarded for in heaven."

A strong American Valor military tribute to Jared C. Monti.  We are here because of you.  With pride in my heart, with my heart in my hand and with tears in my eyes I can only say " Job well done soldier!  Thank you Jared!  As long as there is a breath in my body, you will never be forgotten!"  …Dad