 Citation...
The President of the United
States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3rd,
1863, has awarded in the name of Congress the Medal of Honor to
Staff Sergeant Jared C. Monti, United States Army.
For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty:
Staff Sergeant Jared C. Monti distinguished himself by acts of
gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty
while serving as a team leader with Headquarters and
Headquarters troop, 3rd Squadron, 71st Calvary Regiment, 3rd
Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, in connection with
combat operations against an enemy in Nuristan Province,
Afghanistan, on June 21st, 2006.
While Staff Sergeant Monti 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, Staff Sergeant 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, Staff Sergeant
Monti personally engaged the enemy with his rifle and a grenade,
successfully disrupting an attempt to flank his patrol. Staff
Sergeant Monti then realized that one on his soldier was lying
wounding in the open ground between the advancing enemy and the
patrol's position.
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With complete disregard for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Monti
twice attempted to move from behind the cover of the rocks into the
face of relentless enemy fire to rescue his fallen comrade.
Determined not to leave his soldier, Staff Sergeant Monti made a
third attempt to cross open terrain through intense enemy fire. On
this final attempt, he was mortally wounded, sacrificing his own
life in an effort to save his fellow soldier.
Staff Sergeant Monti's selfless acts of heroism inspired his patrol
to fight off the larger enemy force. Staff Sergeant Monti's
immeasurable courage and uncommon valor are in keeping with the
highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 71st
Calvary Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division,
and the United States Army.
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Monti, Jared C.
