President Bush awards Medal of Honor today for Cpl. Jason L. Dunham

[Heath]

Marine Corps News

Medal Of Honor Citation for Cpl. Jason L. Dunham
Jan. 12, 2007

By - Marine Corps News, Headquarters Marine Corps

WASHINGTON (Jan. 12, 2007) -- The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to

CORPORAL
JASON L. DUNHAM
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Rifle Squad Leader, 4th Platoon, Company K, Third
Battalion, Seventh Marines (Reinforced), Regimental Combat Team 7, First Marine
Division (Reinforced), on 14 April 2004. Corporal Dunham's squad was conducting a reconnaissance mission in the town of Karabilah, Iraq, when they heard rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire erupt approximately two kilometers to the west.
Corporal Dunham led his Combined Anti-Armor Team towards the engagement to provide fire support to their Battalion Commander's convoy, which had been ambushed as it was traveling to Camp Husaybah. As Corporal Dunham and his Marines advanced, they quickly began to receive enemy fire. Corporal Dunham ordered his squad to dismount their vehicles and led one of his fire teams on foot several blocks south of the ambushed convoy. Discovering seven Iraqi vehicles in a column attempting to depart, Corporal Dunham and his team stopped the vehicles to search them for weapons. As they approached the vehicles, an insurgent leaped out and attacked Corporal Dunham. Corporal Dunham wrestled the insurgent to the ground and in the ensuing struggle saw the insurgent release a grenade. Corporal Dunham immediately alerted his fellow Marines to the threat. Aware of the imminent danger and without hesitation, Corporal Dunham covered the grenade with his helmet and body, bearing the brunt of the explosion and shielding his Marines from the blast. In an ultimate and selfless act of bravery in which he was mortally wounded, he saved the lives of at least two fellow Marines. By his undaunted courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Dunham gallantly gave his life for his country, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Clink on the link below for more information on Cpl. Jason L. Dunham and the Medal of Honor

Cpl. Jason L. Dunham :: Medal of Honor

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Marine Corps News -> Medal Of Honor Citation for Cpl. Jason L. Dunham

 

[Reba]

Yes, I saw the presentation on TV. Cpl Dunham was certainly worthy. Very sad for the family but also they were very proud of Jason.

I was very choked up watching.

Thanks for posting.

 

[Heath]

Yes Reba, I did not see it on t.v. I read it in the newspapers and the U.S.M.C. online newspapers. While I thought that was a very nice thing he has done for his friends on patrol. That is what watching somebody's back is truly about.

On the another hand, I wish he was able to finish up his year in Iraq and be able to come home alive to his mother in one piece. I saw a picture of his mother recieving the Medal of Honor with his father and the family looking on with President Bush. I am 100% sure at that moment his mother recieved the MOH medal, She more than anything in the whole world wanted her son back and alive by her side. I am sure the MOH probably did not matter to her deep down inside but I am also sure she is proud of her son for doing the right thing in saving lives that day.

I wish this was a more happy event for the Cpl. Dunham family with her son actually standing and recieving the MOH in person by President Bush for actions that he did that day then the family can go home and celebrate with Cpl. Dunham and hopefully, he will be done with military service and go on to have a civilian career and I can understand if he returned to active duty to be with his friends in Iraq. It is very common for returning U.S. Serviceman to go back to Iraq just like some Vietnam veterans who served 2 tours and in rare cases, 3 tours. I hear and see way too many guys going back to Iraq and Afghanstian especially after what they just have been through. All I can do is pray for their saftey and to be able to come home as much as possible.

I am sorry for the loss of Cpl. Dunham and their family. I am also proud of what he showed it meant to be a U.S. Marine, more importantly as a U.S. Serviceman. I just wish he recieved the MOH medal while he was alive with his mother and the family by his side.