Just in case you missed the presentation, here is the video.
The Medal of Honor has been awarded 3445 times in the history of the United States.
The Medal of Honor has only been awarded five times since 9/11.
No one from Massachusetts has been awarded the Medal of Honor since Vietnam
... that is, until tomorrow.
Tomorrow, September 17, 2009 a local Massachusetts soldier is being welcomed into a sacred group... Medal of Honor recipients.
Sargeant First Class Jared Monti who was born in Abington, raised in Raynham, and is buried at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne will be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama in the East Room of the White House at 1:45 EDT.
SFC Monti, who would have turned 34 on Sunday, died on a remote ridge in Afghanistan trying to save his men on June 21, 2006.
SFC Monti's parents, Paul and Janet Monti, his sister Niccole, brother Timothy and neice Carys Monti are all scheduled to attend the ceremony
"The Medal of Honor is awarded to a member of the Armed Forces who distinguishes themselves conspicuously by gallantry above and beyond the call of duty while:
• engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
• engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or• serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.The meritorious conduct must involve great personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his or her comrades and must have involved risk of life. There must be incontestable proof of the performance of the meritorious conduct, and each recommendation for the award must be considered on the standard of extraordinary merit."
WHITE HOUSE RELEASE
President Obama to Award Medal of Honor to Sergeant First Class Jared C. Monti
WASHINGTON – On Thursday, September 17th, the President will award Sergeant First Class Jared C. Monti, U.S. Army, the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sergeant First Class Monti will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroic actions in combat in Afghanistan. Then-Staff Sergeant Monti displayed immeasurable courage and uncommon valor - eventually sacrificing his own life in an effort to save his comrade. Sergeant First Class Monti’s parents, Paul Monti and Janet Monti, will join the President at the White House to commemorate their son’s example of selfless service and sacrifice.
If you are ever fortunate enough to meet a M.O.H. recipient, you are in the presence of a true American HERO!
The Army created a FANTASTIC Web site honoring SFC Monti. Check it out at http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/monti.
09/16/2009 8:43PM
Michelle
Carrie,
You are the best for posting this. The man's father was a teacher at my high school and he said nothing but proud and great things about his son. I graduated in 2000 so a little before the war started but even then his students knew how proud he was of him and what he was doing. This is a great family and it really is bitter sweet for them. Thank you for acknowledging them and spreading the word. :) I'm not sure if Mr. Monti is quite the "AAFer..." but he'll be happy to know that you are making sure his son is remembered for what he did for all of us. :)
Michelle
09/17/2009 9:13AM
Chuck Losey
This is the greatest honor that any soldier can achieve. Sadly enough, most of the CMH are handed out posthumously. The only problem that I have with Obama handing it out is, that, he has been the ONLY President, since Dwight D. Eisenhower, to NOT ATTENDthe yearly dinner that honors the living recipients of this award. Instead of attending, he was at a party for Jay-Z. Good one Barry.
10/24/2011 2:27AM
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