Medal of Honor posthumously awarded to Sgt. 1st Class Jared C. Monti
What is it'
The Medal of Honor is the nation's highest medal for valor in combat that can be awarded to members of the armed forces. Since the medal's creation in 1862, there have been 3,447 recipients; 2,404 of those were Soldiers.
What has the Army done'
The White House recently announced the President will present the Medal of Honor to the family of Sgt. 1st Class Jared C. Monti for gallantry in combat demonstrated on June 21, 2006, during Operation Enduring Freedom. President Obama will present the medal during a White House ceremony today at 1:15 p.m. At the time of his heroic actions, Sgt. 1st Class Monti was assigned to 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment (10th Mountain Division). Sgt. 1st Class Monti is the first Soldier to receive the Medal of Honor for service in Afghanistan.
Sgt. 1st Class Monti epitomized the meaning of loyalty, selfless service and personal courage - core Army values-during a firefight with enemy fighters. This year, the Army is recognizing the Year of the Noncommissioned Officer and NCOs, such as Sgt. 1st Class Monti, that are the strength of the Army.
What events will take place to honor SFC Monti'
In addition to today's ceremony at the White House, Army senior leaders will recognize Sgt. 1st Class Monti, his family and friends in a Pentagon ceremony Friday, Sept. 18. At this time, Paul Monti, Sgt. 1st Class Monti's father, will be presented with the official picture and citation, and the Hall of Heroes plaque will also be unveiled. The Medal of Honor flag will be presented to Mr. Monti. Sgt. 1st Class Monti will forever be recognized by the Army and our nation for his demonstration of courage above and beyond the call of duty.
Why is this important to the Army'
The nature of our most recent conflicts is different than those past. Servicemembers distinguish themselves in different ways, and Sgt. 1st Class Monti distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty-the reason he is the recipient of the Medal of Honor. As long as America is the home of the brave, there will be nominees for the Medal of Honor. As we move into our eighth year of persistent conflict, we're reminded that our men and women continue to serve honorably, selflessly and courageously.
Resources:
Aca,!Ac <a href="http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/monti/" target="_blank"> Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. 1st Class Jared C. Monti, microsite</a>
Aca,!Ac <a href="http://www.army.mil/MEDALOFHONOR/" target="_blank">The United States Army Medal of Honor </a>
Aca,!Ac <a href="http://www.cmohs.org/" target="_blank">Congressional Medal of Honor Society</a>
Aca,!Ac <a href="http://www.history.army.mil/moh.html" target="_blank"> U.S Army Center of Military History </a>
Aca,!Ac <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/President-Obama-to-Award-Medal-of-Honor-to-Sergeant-First-Class-Jared-C-Monti" target="_blank"> President Obama to Award Medal of Honor to Sgt. 1st Class Jared C. Monti</a>
Aca,!Ac Related article: <a href="http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx'id=5586" target="_blank"> Obama to award Medal of Honor to fallen Soldier's family </a>
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