Vegas
09-17-2009, 04:00 PM
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/editorials/portrait_of_an_american_hero_RFd9Hk2UCZm8ezerDEIpR J
For only the sixth time since 9/11 -- and the first during Barack Obama's presidency -- America's highest award for bravery, the Medal of Honor, will be bestowed today on a fallen hero.
President Obama will present the medal at the White House to the parents of Sgt. Jared Monti, who was killed in Afghanistan by a rocket-propelled grenade during his third attempt under fire to rescue a wounded comrade.
"It's normal for a guy to go out there and try to rescue someone once," said Sgt. Christopher Cunningham, a member of his squad. "But to go again is unheard of. To go a third time -- either you're getting him, or there's no coming back."
"It was the most amazing thing I've ever seen," he added.
Such efforts were not unusual for the 30-year-old Monti, who grew up in Raynham, Mass. After his death, his parents discovered a drawer full of awards he'd earned but never even told them of: a Bronze Star, five commendation medals and four achievement medals.
Jared Monti's selfless act of courage typifies the heroism and steadfastness of America's fighters on the front lines in Afghanistan, Iraq and around the world.
Today, a grateful nation pays tribute to his sacrifice.
For only the sixth time since 9/11 -- and the first during Barack Obama's presidency -- America's highest award for bravery, the Medal of Honor, will be bestowed today on a fallen hero.
President Obama will present the medal at the White House to the parents of Sgt. Jared Monti, who was killed in Afghanistan by a rocket-propelled grenade during his third attempt under fire to rescue a wounded comrade.
"It's normal for a guy to go out there and try to rescue someone once," said Sgt. Christopher Cunningham, a member of his squad. "But to go again is unheard of. To go a third time -- either you're getting him, or there's no coming back."
"It was the most amazing thing I've ever seen," he added.
Such efforts were not unusual for the 30-year-old Monti, who grew up in Raynham, Mass. After his death, his parents discovered a drawer full of awards he'd earned but never even told them of: a Bronze Star, five commendation medals and four achievement medals.
Jared Monti's selfless act of courage typifies the heroism and steadfastness of America's fighters on the front lines in Afghanistan, Iraq and around the world.
Today, a grateful nation pays tribute to his sacrifice.