On 21 June 2006, SFC Monti, then a staff sergeant, was the assistant patrol leader for a 16-man patrol tasked to conduct surveillance in the Gowardesh, Nuristan Province, in northeastern Afghanistan. The patrol was to provide up-to-date intelligence, interdict enemy movement and ensure early warning for the squadron's main effort as it inserted into the province. The team set-up a small base on a ridge. The larger operation was delayed and Monti's team began to run low on provisions, so a helicopter delivery was made, giving away the team's position. As nightfall approached, the patrol was attacked by a well organized enemy force of at least 60 personnel, who had established two positions on a wooded ridge above the patrol. Outnumbered four-to-one, SFC Monti's patrol was in serious danger of being overrun. Monti ordered his soldiers to take cover and return fire, then reached for his radio headset and calmly initiated calls for indirect fire and close air support (CAS), both danger-close to the patrol's position.
Enemy fire killed Sergeant Patrick Lybert. Another soldier, Private First Class Brian J. Bradbury, was severely wounded and left lying in the open between the enemy and the position where the rest of the team had taken cover. Staff Sergeant Chris Cunningham, leader of the patrol's sniper team, called out that he was going to try to rescue Brabury. When SFC Monti realized that Bradbury was critically wounded and exposed ten meters from the nearest cover, Monti replied, "That’s my guy. I am going to get him." and without regard for his personal safety, advanced through enemy fire to within three feet of PFC Bradbury's position, only to be forced back by intense RPG fire. . His second try was similarly turned back and as the rest of his patrol provided covering fire, Monti advanced a third time but an RPG round exploded at his feet, blowing off both of his legs. Monti died moments later.
About the same time, the indirect fire and CAS he called for began raining down on the enemy's position. The firepower broke the enemy attack, killing 22 enemy fighters. PFC Bradbury subsequently died when the winch that was raising him to a rescue helicopter snapped. The fall also killed Staff Sergeant Heathe Craig, 28, a medic from Severn, Maryland.
SFC Monti's actions prevented the patrol's position from being overrun, saved his team's lives and inspired his men to fight on against overwhelming odds. Monti is buried at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts. His grave can be found in section 11, site 38. A ceremony to formally present the Medal of Honor to Monti's family will occur today, September 17. So long Sergeant First Class Jared Christopher Monti, United States Army, we hardly knew ye.
Courtesy Ernie Stewart, ehowa.com
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