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Only the second Ft Drum soldier to be given this highest honor.
RIP SFC Monti.
http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.s...ier_is_aw.html
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Presenting his first Medal of Honor, President Barack Obama on Thursday praised the sacrifice of a soldier who braved enemy fire while attempting to save a comrade during the war in Afghanistan.
Obama honored Sgt. 1st Class Jared Monti of Raynham, Mass., during an East Room ceremony and praised the extraordinary valor while facing insurgent fire. Standing before Monti's parents, Janet and Paul, Obama said Monti personified the values of duty, honor, sacrifice and heroism.
Americans often toss around such words too freely, the president said.
"But do we really grasp the meaning of these values? Do we truly understand the nature of these virtues, to serve and to sacrifice?" Obama asked. "Jared Monti knew.The Monti family knows. And they know that the actions we honor today were not a passing moment of courage. They were the culmination of a life of character and commitment."
The award came as the administration is wrestling with its next move in Afghanistan. Obama has held off sending more troops to the country where the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks were launched. He already has sent 17,000 additional combat troops to Afghanistan and is weighing sending even more to stabilize that nation.
The award came as the administration is wrestling with its next move in Afghanistan. Obama has held off sending more troops to the country where the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks were launched. He already has sent 17,000 additional combat troops to Afghanistan and is weighing sending even more to stabilize that nation.
Democrats, however, want specific benchmarks there before Obama goes forward with more combat troops for the region.
Monti died during a firefight with the Taliban in Gowardesh, Afghanistan, in June 2006. The 30-year-old Monti showed "conspicuous gallantry," the White House declared when announcing he would win the Medal of Honor for his role in a fight along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Monti's 16-man patrol had been scouting ahead of a larger offensive against the Taliban. A helicopter deployed to resupply the patrol blew their cover; Taliban fighters converged, and Monti called for backup.
One of his men, Pvt. Brian Bradbury, was shot during the encounter. Monti, who enlisted at age 17, twice left cover and ran into the open under intense enemy fire to retrieve the wounded soldier.
Monti "did something no amount of training can instill," Obama said. He quoted Monti as saying, "he is my soldier, I am going to get him."
On Monti's third attempt, he was struck by a grenade and died on the field.
Obama said the sacrifice of Monti and other brave members of the military should inspire all Americans to aspire to be better citizens.
Monti previously was awarded a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, five Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals and three National Defense Service Medals.
The Medals of Honor awarded by Congress are the highest award for military valor, typically reserved for members of the military who risk their lives with gallantry beyond the call of duty.
RIP SFC Monti.
http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.s...ier_is_aw.html
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Presenting his first Medal of Honor, President Barack Obama on Thursday praised the sacrifice of a soldier who braved enemy fire while attempting to save a comrade during the war in Afghanistan.
Obama honored Sgt. 1st Class Jared Monti of Raynham, Mass., during an East Room ceremony and praised the extraordinary valor while facing insurgent fire. Standing before Monti's parents, Janet and Paul, Obama said Monti personified the values of duty, honor, sacrifice and heroism.
Americans often toss around such words too freely, the president said.
"But do we really grasp the meaning of these values? Do we truly understand the nature of these virtues, to serve and to sacrifice?" Obama asked. "Jared Monti knew.The Monti family knows. And they know that the actions we honor today were not a passing moment of courage. They were the culmination of a life of character and commitment."
The award came as the administration is wrestling with its next move in Afghanistan. Obama has held off sending more troops to the country where the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks were launched. He already has sent 17,000 additional combat troops to Afghanistan and is weighing sending even more to stabilize that nation.
The award came as the administration is wrestling with its next move in Afghanistan. Obama has held off sending more troops to the country where the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks were launched. He already has sent 17,000 additional combat troops to Afghanistan and is weighing sending even more to stabilize that nation.
Democrats, however, want specific benchmarks there before Obama goes forward with more combat troops for the region.
Monti died during a firefight with the Taliban in Gowardesh, Afghanistan, in June 2006. The 30-year-old Monti showed "conspicuous gallantry," the White House declared when announcing he would win the Medal of Honor for his role in a fight along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Monti's 16-man patrol had been scouting ahead of a larger offensive against the Taliban. A helicopter deployed to resupply the patrol blew their cover; Taliban fighters converged, and Monti called for backup.
One of his men, Pvt. Brian Bradbury, was shot during the encounter. Monti, who enlisted at age 17, twice left cover and ran into the open under intense enemy fire to retrieve the wounded soldier.
Monti "did something no amount of training can instill," Obama said. He quoted Monti as saying, "he is my soldier, I am going to get him."
On Monti's third attempt, he was struck by a grenade and died on the field.
Obama said the sacrifice of Monti and other brave members of the military should inspire all Americans to aspire to be better citizens.
Monti previously was awarded a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, five Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals and three National Defense Service Medals.
The Medals of Honor awarded by Congress are the highest award for military valor, typically reserved for members of the military who risk their lives with gallantry beyond the call of duty.
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