A Hero's Final Honor

A selfless hero who gave his life to save his fellow soldiers in Afghanistan will posthumously receive a Medal of Honor at the White House today.

The family of Sgt. Jared Monti will meet with President Obama and receive America's highest honor for valor. Monti's heroic deed took place in 2006 on a ridge in a remote section of Afghanistan. Almost out of the blue, Monti's unit heard quickening footsteps followed by machine-gun fire and rocket-propelled grenades. Monti initially dove for cover behind some large rocks, but when he realized one of his men was injured and out in the open he attempted to rescue him three times, and the act eventually cost him his life.

"True valor is not defined so much by results as it is by the depth of conviction that inspires its expression," an Army general wrote while recommending Monti for the medal, according to the Boston Globe. "On rare occasions, the actions of men are so extraordinary that the nobility rests, not in their outcome, but in the courage of their undertaking."

Monti has a long history of helping others. His family recalled him making lunches for his brother and sister so his mother could get to nursing school on time. In high school, he once cut down a spruce tree in his front yard so a single mother could have a Christmas tree for her kids.

Once in the Army, his generosity continued. He once gave up his scheduled leave so a solider could see the family he had not laid eyes on in two years. Another time he gave his new kitchen set to a soldier whose kids were eating on the floor.

Humility and heroism often go hand-in-hand, and there's little doubt Monti deserves the award for which he paid the ultimate price.

Photo courtesy of US Army via Wikimedia Commons.