 Monti made three attempts to reach Bradbury . On his first , he advanced to within three feet of Bradbury before being forced back by intense machine @-@ gun and rocket @-@ propelled grenade ( 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 was struck by an RPG . Some news reports indicated that the explosion blew off both of his legs , but this is not supported by family accounts or military records . Monti attempted to crawl back towards cover . He is reported by comrades to have made his peace with God and asked Sgt. Cunningham to tell his parents he loved them . Monti died moments later . At about the same time , the artillery and air support for which he had called began hitting the enemy position , killing 22 of the attackers and dispersing the rest . 
