Too often we take our freedom for granted. The rights and liberties we benefit from in our free society are by no means free. In fact, the real cost is incalculable. Unfortunately, the men and women who pay the ultimate price are not recognized enough for their bravery. Vetrepreneur wants to pay homage to the courageous service members who put their lives on the line so we can live free. This month we honor Staff Sergeant Jared C. Monti, U.S. Army.

On September 17, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded Monti the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and heroic actions in combat in Afghanistan.　 Monti’s parents, Paul Monti and Janet Monti joined the president at the White House in a ceremony to commemorate their son’s example of selfless service and sacrifice. According to the award citation, Monti displayed immeasurable courage and uncommon valor - eventually sacrificing his own life in an effort to save his comrade.

Conspicuous gallantry

In 2006, Monti was serving in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan as a team leader with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3d Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3d Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. On June 21, Monti was leading an intelligence gathering mission aimed at directing fire against the enemy. As many as 50 enemy fighters attacked his 16-man patrol and Monti quickly instructed his troops to set up a defensive position behind a rock formation.

Next, Monti fought off the enemy with his rifle and a grenade and called for support by fire. Monti accurately guided rounds onto the enemy which had advanced to 50 meters of his position. One of the Soldiers in Monti’s squad was wounded and exposed in the open ground between the advancing enemy and the patrol’s position.

Despite the unremitting enemy fire, Monti twice attempted to move from his covered position behind the rocks to rescue his wounded comrade. He was determined to not leave the young man behind and made a third attempt to cross open terrain through intense enemy fire. He was mortally wounded on this final attempt and sacrificed his own life in an effort to save his fellow Soldier.

Monti’s selfless acts of heroism inspired his patrol to fight off the larger enemy force and his immeasurable courage and uncommon valor demonstrate the highest traditions of military service. In addition to the Medal of Honor, Monti’s other decorations include: the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, five Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, three Good Conduct Medals and three National Defense Service Medals

The Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is our nation’s highest military decoration. 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.

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. Monti joins very elite company as one of only 3,448 Americans awarded this distinction.

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