Michael Monsoor Awarded Medal of Honor by President Bush

Michael A. Monsoor was posthumuously awarded the Medal of Honor by President George W. Bush on Tuesday. The Medal of Honor is nation's highest military tribute.

Monsoor, a Navy SEAL, was killed on Sept. 29, 2006 when he threw himself on a grenade in Iraq to save his comrades. Petty Officer Monsoor was part of a sniper team in Ramadi, Iraq.

Bush presented the medal to Monsoor's parents, Sally and George Monsoor, in front of approximately 250 guests, including some of his fellow soldiers, in an East Room ceremony.

The award ceremony was held as General David Petraeus, the U.S. top general and diplomat in Iraq, opened two days of congressional testimony on the status of the war, which is now in its sixth year.

Monsoor was a member of one of the military's most elite fighting force, the Navy SEALs, which is known for its prowess and highly competitive training.