Medal of Honor Monday: Army Sgt. 1st Class Jared Monti

 Sept. 15, 2025 | By Katie Lange, Pentagon News |

In June 2006, high above a valley in Afghanistan, 16 soldiers on patrol valiantly tried to stave off a huge swarm of insurgents. It was on that ridge that Army Sgt. 1st Class Jared Christopher Monti gave his life while attempting to protect one of his comrades. That moment of courage and selflessness led him to receive a posthumous Medal of Honor.  

Monti was born Sept. 20, 1975, in Abington, Massachusetts, to Paul and Janet Monti. He had a sister, Nicole, and a brother, Timothy. 

When the family moved to nearby Raynham, Monti began to develop a sense of adventure and a love of sports, of which he played several. At Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School, he participated in triathlons and wrestled, even earning the under-17 New England weightlifting championship. He also volunteered with an after-school program for children at a local YMCA where his mother taught preschool.  

Monti was determined to join the Army, so in March 1993, he enlisted in the service's delayed entry program. He went to basic training between his junior and senior years of high school. After graduating in 1994, he went on active duty and became a fire support specialist, supporting intelligence and targeting in field artillery units. 

Over the next several years, Monti served twice in South Korea and trained as a paratrooper. In 1999, he went on a two-year deployment to Kosovo. During that time, he was injured in a parachute jump, but he refused to take a medical discharge and instead reenlisted.  

Monti was eventually assigned to the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York. In 2003, he deployed to Afghanistan with the division's 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. Before returning home, he received an Army Commendation Medal and a Bronze Star for his actions during an insurgent ambush.  

In February 2006, Monti returned to Afghanistan for a second deployment, this time with the division's 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. 

On June 21, 2006, Monti was serving as a team leader in the area of Gowardesh in northeastern Afghanistan, along the Pakistani border. Monti led a 16-man patrol with the goal of setting up a small base on a ridge to gather intelligence and direct fire against the enemy in support of a larger Army operation in the valley below.

Unfortunately, the larger operation was delayed, which caused Monti's team to run low on provisions and require aerial restocking. The helicopter that brought them supplies also revealed their position to insurgents. Soon after, their patrol was attacked by as many as 50 enemy fighters, who set up two positions about 50 yards above Monti's team on the ridge.  

It was clear to Monti that his team would soon be overrun, so he quickly directed his men to fire back from behind a rock formation that could shield them. He then called for indirect fire support on top of the enemy, which was closing in fast. He also fought off insurgents using his rifle and a grenade, successfully disrupting an attempt to flank his patrol.  

But then Monti saw Army Spc. Brian Bradbury lying severely wounded out in the open, and he knew he had to get to him. Another soldier said he would try to rescue Bradbury, but Monti ordered the soldier back, saying, "That's my guy. I'm going to get him." 

Twice, Monti disregarded his own safety to try and reach Bradbury. Both times, he was forced back by relentless enemy fire.  

On his third attempt, Monti was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. He tried to crawl back to cover but didn't quite make it. However, he was in earshot of his comrades, who said he told them that he'd made his peace with God, and to tell his family he loved them.  

A few minutes after Monti died, the air support he called in finally arrived, killing several insurgents and dispersing the rest, which saved the remaining members of his patrol.  

Unfortunately, Bradbury didn't survive. He died when a medevac's hoist broke as it tried to lift him into a helicopter. Two other patrol members, Army Staff Sgt. Patrick Lybert and Army Staff Sgt. Heathe Craig, also died during the 18-hour battle.  

Monti's body was eventually repatriated and buried in Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts.  

On Sept. 17, 2009, Monti's parents received the Medal of Honor on his behalf from President Barack Obama during a White House ceremony. He was the second service member to receive it for actions taken in Afghanistan.  

Monti has been remembered as a humble and giving man. His name adorns many landmarks and buildings, including in the military community. In 2009, a combat outpost in Afghanistan was renamed COP Monti. That same year, a bridge near his hometown was renamed the Sgt. 1st Class Jared C. Monti Bridge. In the years that followed, a fitness center at Fort Drum and a training facility at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, were also named in his honor. 

In 2014, country musician Lee Brice put out a song titled "I Drive Your Truck" that was inspired by a radio feature in which Monti's father reminisced about his son and the truck he drove in remembrance of him. The song was named song of the year during the 49th annual Academy of Country Music Awards.  

This past April, the new Sgt. 1st Class Jared C. Monti Soldier and Squad Research Facility at the Army Natick Soldier Systems Center in Natick, Massachusetts, was dedicated to him. Monti's sister, who spoke at the ceremony, said the family wasn't sure what to do with all his medals, uniforms and other military memorabilia until this opportunity arose.  

"We wanted them to go where we knew they'd be honored," Nicole Monti-Alicea told the crowd during the dedication. "After our meeting, we knew that Jared's highest honors belonged here … and my mother finally got the one thing she always wanted — for her son to finally rest in peace."   

During the ceremony, Brice performed an acoustic version of his award-winning song for the crowd, using Monti's actual pickup truck as a backdrop for the touching tribute.  

Judge Upholds Charges Against Alleged Document Leaker

By Donna Miles

American Forces Press Service

FORT MEADE, Md.  – The military judge trying the case of alleged WikiLeaker Army Pfc. Bradley Manning today rejected a defense motion to throw out 10 of the 22 charges against him.

Army Col. Denise Lind refused the defense’s argument that eight of the charges are unconstitutionally vague and overly broad.

She also upheld two other charges that Manning had exceeded his authorized access to classified Defense Department networks. Lind did announce, however, that she would use a narrow interpretation of the statute in this case. This raises the standard for what the prosecution will need to prove for Manning to be found guilty, a military lawyer told reporters.

The judge also announced that Manning’s trial, initially scheduled to begin Sept. 21, likely will be delayed until November or possibly January. The defense team had asked for more time to review documents associated with the case and prepare its arguments.

The rulings came at the end of a three-day hearing here leading up to what’s expected to be a three-week trial.

Manning, 24, is accused of the largest intelligence leak in U.S. history while deployed to Iraq as a military intelligence analyst. The former 10th Mountain Division soldier is accused of installing unauthorized software onto government computers to extract classified information, unlawfully downloading it, improperly storing it, and transmitting the data to the whistle-blowing group WikiLeaks.

WikiLeaks, in turn, released thousands of these documents, including classified records about military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, on its website.

Manning is charged with aiding the enemy, wrongfully causing intelligence to be published on the Internet knowing that it is accessible to the enemy, theft of public property or records, transmitting defense information, and fraud and related activity in connection with computers. The charges also include violation of Army Regulations 25-2 “Information Assurance” and 380-5 “Department of the Army Information Security Program.”

If found guilty, Manning could receive up to life in prison. He also could be reduced to E-1, the lowest enlisted grade, and face a total forfeiture of all pay and allowances and dishonorable discharge.

Much of this week’s pre-trial hearing, one of several to iron out issues related to the case, centered around what documents are being made available, and how quickly, for the defense to prepare for the trial.

Manning’s civilian attorney, David Coombs, complained of getting discovery documents too slowly, in a piecemeal fashion or with so many sections redacted – meaning parts of them have been blacked out – that they’re of little value.

The defense team hopes to use these documents to show that Manning caused little or no damage.

Yesterday, three State Department officials called by the defense testified that the department stood up three different teams after the leaks occurred to do damage control, identify people considered to be at risk because of the disclosures and improve computer security. The witnesses did not testify about what damages may have been caused.

In an effort to keep the proceedings as close to the projected schedule as possible, Lind announced this week that she would add additional pretrial hearings to assess progress and break through any logjams.

Lind announced that the next hearing will be June 25. At that session, both the prosecution and defense teams are scheduled to submit recommended instructions for the court to give the panel at the trial.

The defense team will have the choice of having the case decided by Lind alone, a military panel, or a jury.

Obama Visits Fort Drum, Thanks First to Deploy

By Steve Ghiringhelli, Fort Drum Public Affairs Office

American Forces Press Service

FORT DRUM, N.Y. , June 23, 2011 – The day after announcing a drawdown of troops from Afghanistan, President Barack Obama visited Fort Drum to thank members of an Army division that was among the first to deploy units following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

"I don't want to give a long speech, because I want to spend most of my time just shaking hands and thanking all of you," Obama told a small gathering of 10th Mountain Division soldiersJune 23, 2011, during his first official visit to Fort Drum.

The soldiers of 1st Brigade Combat Team, which returned earlier this year from its deployment to northern Afghanistan, sat in complete silence as they awaited the commander in chief's arrival at the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade dining facility. It was soldiers from the brigade's 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, who provided a quick reaction force in Afghanistan immediately following 9/11, ultimately helping to overthrow the Taliban-run regime that harbored al-Qaida terrorists.

Once the president was announced, he was introduced to the 150 soldiers by the brigade's commander, Col. Willard "Bill" Burleson.

"Sir, it's a great privilege to share these great soldiers here with you today," Burleson said. "They represent about 4,000 of the first elements of (last year's surge) in Afghanistan."

The president thanked Burleson for his hard work and leadership and then spoke about his decision last year to deploy an additional 30,000 troops into Afghanistan, calling it one of the toughest decisions he has made as president.

"The only reason I was able to make that decision was because I knew that we had the finest fighting force in the world, and that if I gave a command to our troops, they would be able to accomplish that mission," the president said. "The 10th Mountain Division … (were) the first folks to go in after that order was given.

"And that's not surprising," he added, "because you guys were also some of the first folks to go in right after 9/11."

During his televised address to the nation Wednesday night, Obama announced that 10,000 troops will redeploy to the U.S. this year and that a total of 33,000 -- roughly the number of troops sent to Afghanistan last year -- will return by next summer. As Afghan security forces move into the lead, the president said, American troops will continue steadily coming home until 2014, when the U.S. mission completes its transition from combat to support.

He also stated that it was time for America to rethink some of its national security policies, cautioning that the U.S. is in need of some "nation building" of its own.

"Already, this decade of war has caused many to question the nature of America’s engagement around the world," he said during his primetime speech. "Some would have America retreat from our responsibility as an anchor of global security and embrace an isolation that ignores the very real threats that we face. Others would have America over-extended, confronting every evil that can be found abroad.

"We must chart a more centered course," the president noted.

Currently, the 10th Mountain Division's headquarters leads coalition forces in Regional Command - South in Kandahar, Afghanistan. In addition, three of the division's six brigades are deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom -- 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Brigade Combat Team and 10th Combat Aviation Brigade.

It brings the total number of 10th Mountain Division soldiers serving in Afghanistan to more than 10,000.

Meanwhile, the 10th Sustainment Brigade is readying to deploy to Afghanistan this fall.

Obama said his respect for the 10th Mountain Division's storied past goes back to his days at the U.S. Senate.

"I've always run into you guys -- and for some reason, it's always in some rough spots," he said. "You guys have always been there in the toughest fights. The fact that you are continuing, even as we speak, and that many of your comrades are there right now under some very tough circumstances, (demonstrates) your dedication and your patriotism."

In order to sustain their accomplishments so far in the war-torn country, the president assured soldiers that his plan to decrease the number of troops in Afghanistan would not be done "precipitously."

"Because of what you have done, areas like Kandahar are more secure than they have been in years," Obama said. "Because of you, we are now taking the fight to the Taliban, instead of the Taliban bringing the fight to us. Because of you, there are signs that the Taliban may be interested in figuring out political settlements.

"It's also because of you that we have a platform to be able to go after bin Laden and al-Qaida, and we have decimated their ranks," he said.

Obama said even with his planned drawdown, tough work lies ahead.

"The American people understand the sacrifices you are making; they understand the sacrifices that your Families are making," he said. "But there's still some fighting to be done. And frankly, the 10th Mountain Division is still going to be represented there until we have fully transferred to the Afghan military and security forces.

"You guys are the tip of the spear," Obama continued. "You guys are the ones that keep us safe each and every day. For all of the sacrifices you have made, I want to say thank you. For all of the sacrifices your Families have made, I want to say thank you.

"I have no greater job -- nothing gives me more honor -- than serving as your commander in chief. To all of you who are potentially going to be (deployed again), just know that your commander in chief has your back."

Before boarding Air Force One at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield, Obama met privately inside the Rapid Deployment Facility with family members of fallen soldiers.

Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.

U.S. Army Col. Bruce Antonia, commander of Regional Command East’s Task Force Patriot drawn from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and Eva Shinagel, senior civilian representive for Task Force Strike, will brief the media live from Forward Operating Base Shank in Logar Province, Afghanistan, at 10:30 a.m. EDT, in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to provide an update on current operations.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

General Officer Announcements

The chief of staff, Army announced today the following officer assignments:

Maj. Gen. Walter M. Golden Jr., director, J-1, The Joint Staff, Washington, D.C., to deputy commander for police, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Training Mission - Afghanistan.

Maj. Gen. John W. Peabody, commanding general, U.S. Army Engineer Division, Great Lakes and Ohio River, Cincinnati, Ohio, to commanding general, U.S. Army Engineer Division, Mississippi Valley, Vicksburg, Miss.

Maj. Gen. Perry L. Wiggins, deputy commanding general, Fifth U.S. Army North, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, to commanding general, First Army Division West, Fort Hood, Texas.

Brig. Gen. Peter N. Fuller, who has been selected for the rank of major general, program executive officer, soldier, Fort Belvoir, Va., to deputy commander for programs, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan.

Brig. Gen. Robin B. Akin, commanding general, 3d Sustainment Command (expeditionary), Fort Knox, Ky., to deputy assistant chief of staff, C-4/J-4, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/U.S. Forces Korea/deputy commanding general (support), Eighth U.S. Army, Korea.

Brig. Gen. Jeffrey L. Bannister, deputy commanding general (operations), 10th Mountain Division (light)/deputy commander for operations, Regional Command South, International Security Assistance Force, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Afghanistan, to deputy director for operations - force protection, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

Brig. Gen. Timothy J. Edens, deputy commanding general/assistant commandant, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, Fort Rucker, Ala., to assistant division commander, 2d Infantry Division, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea.

Brig. Gen. Robert S. Ferrell, director for command, control, communications and computer systems, U.S. Africa Command, Germany, to commanding general, 5th Signal Command, U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army, Germany.

Col. Norvell V. Coots, who has been selected for the rank of brigadier general, commander, Walter Reed Health Care System, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C., to commanding general, Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center/deputy commanding general, Southern Regional Medical Command Readiness, Fort Gordon, Ga.

Col. Dennis D. Doyle, who has been selected for the rank of brigadier general, commander, 30th Medical Command, U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army, Germany, to commanding general, William Beaumont Army Medical Center/deputy commanding general for readiness, Western Regional Medical Command, El Paso, Texas.

Today in the Department of Defense, Tuesday, February 08, 2011

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates hosts an honor cordon to welcome French Minister of Defense Alain Juppe to the Pentagon today at 9:30 a.m. EST.  The cordon will be held on the steps of the Pentagon River Entrance. At the conclusion of their meeting, Secretary Gates and Minister Juppe will sign a statement of principles for US DOD-French MOD space partnership.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the Pentagon River Parking Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort to the cordon.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn has no public or media events on his schedule.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen will make remarks at 6:45 p.m. EST at the National Defense Industry Associations' 22nd Annual Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict Symposium Awards Banquet in the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, 2660 Woodley Road NW, Washington, D.C. Media must register at the NDIA desk and present press credentials to obtain a symposium badge.

Army Col. Willard Burleson, commander of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and Army Col. Daniel Williams, commander of Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, will brief the media live from Mazar-e Sharif, Afghanistan at 11:00 a.m. EST in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to provide an update on current operations.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.