In today’s installment of Fallen Heroes, we honor Sergeant First Class Jared C. Monti, a brave soldier of the 10th Mountain Division, who made the ultimate sacrifice while on a mission in Afghanistan’s Nuristan Province. When his unit came under intense fire from insurgents, Monti noticed a wounded comrade stranded in an open, exposed area. Without hesitation, he attempted multiple times to reach his fellow soldier under heavy fire. On his third attempt, he was fatally struck by an enemy grenade. Monti’s courageous actions inspired his team to repel the attack, saving many lives, and he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
Sergeant First Class Jared Monti was serving with the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan’s Nuristan Province in June 2006. On the evening of June 21, Monti's 16-man patrol was on a mission, tasked with establishing an observation post to monitor enemy movement. After a short time the patrol was ambushed by a large group of insurgents who outnumbered them roughly three-to-one.
As night fell, the insurgents initiated a fierce assault, attacking Monti's team with machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and small arms fire. The attack caught the patrol off-guard, exposing them to overwhelming enemy fire. During the initial assault, one of Monti's comrades, Private Brian Bradbury, was struck and critically injured. Bradbury lay exposed in open ground about 20 meters from cover, unable to move and at severe risk of further injury.
Despite the life-threatening danger, Monti attempted to reach Bradbury. His first two attempts to rescue his comrade were met with relentless gunfire, but Monti, determined to save Bradbury, tried a third time. Tragically, during this final attempt, he was struck by an RPG and sustained fatal injuries. Before succumbing to his wounds, Monti reportedly communicated a last message to his family, demonstrating his selfless concern even in his final moments. Monti's heroic actions that day exemplified his dedication and courage, and his willingness to sacrifice his life for his fellow soldiers. His bravery helped galvanize the remaining troops, who managed to hold their position until reinforcements arrived. For his extraordinary heroism, Monti was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2009 by President Barack Obama, who highlighted Monti’s sacrifice as emblematic of the highest standards of valor and loyalty.