FORT SILL, Okla. -- The Fires Center of Excellence Mission Simulation Center was officially dedicated as Monti Hall Aug. 19. Sgt. 1st Class Jared Monti, an artilleryman, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his acts of bravery and now his name will forever be synonymous with fires support training at Fort Sill.
Monti was killed in action June 21, 2006, in Gowardesh, Afghanistan when he was leading a mission aimed at gathering intelligence and directing fire against the enemy. His 16-man patrol was attacked by as many as 50 enemy fighters.
On the verge of being overrun, Monti quickly directed his men to set up a defensive position behind a rock formation. He then called for indirect fire support, accurately targeting the rounds upon the enemy who had closed to within 50 meters of his position.
While still directing fire, he engaged the enemy with his rifle and a grenade successfully disrupting an attempt to flank his patrol.
Monti realized one of his men was wounded and in open ground between the advancing enemy and the patrol's position.
With complete disregard for his own safety, Monti attempted to move from behind the cover of rocks into enemy fire twice to rescue his fellow Soldier. Determined not to leave him behind, Monti made a third attempt to cross open terrain through intense enemy fire.
On his final attempt he was mortally wounded, sacrificing his own life in an effort to save his fellow Soldier.
Command Sgt. Maj. Delbert Byers, 197th Infantry Brigade, fought alongside Monti that day. During the ceremony, he recalled not only Monti's heroic efforts, but also his confidence and knowledge in his profession.
Byers said Monti established a fires support plan that ultimately saved the lives of more than just his team that day.
"Monti's efforts saved numerous lives on that rotation, and he continues to save lives through the Soldiers he has trained and the leaders he mentored. His love of Soldiers, ability to train and pass on his mastery of skills, and his understanding of maneuver, made him the finest forward observer, Soldier and leader I have ever known," said Byers.
Paul Monti said his son was an extremely humble person who never gave up and always tried his hardest. It was his resolve to do the right thing, though, that is emblazoned on the hearts of those he touched.
"Jared was an ordinary person, who did extraordinary things," said Monti. "When I found out he was killed, of course I was shocked, but as I reflected on things, I knew that was him."
"It was him on a mountain with 16 guys being attacked and him trying his hardest to save them; him who never gave up in trying to save Brian Bradbury and the rest of the guys; and him just trying to do the right thing, no matter what. Rocket propelled grenades, small arms fire, machine gun fire, it didn't matter to Jared because the right thing to do was to go out and save his fellow Soldier," said Monti.
Monti Hall houses technology that will teach field artillery and air defense artillery Soldiers for years to come. It is with Monti's moniker overlooking as they pass through those doors that they will be more prepared for battle.
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