Hero - Marine dies saving comrades; nominated for Medal of Honor

[Hoss68]

Jason Dunham stepped into the role of protector long before he ever donned a Marine uniform.

As a teen-ager, he put himself between a friend and an adversary to protect his buddy during a fight. As a brother, he would warn his little sister to watch out for boys. As a man, he dreamed of becoming a state trooper - so long as work didn't take him too far from home, where he could keep an eye on those he loved most.

Dunham died as he had lived, said the minister at his burial last May: "Caring more for others than himself."

He has been nominated for the Medal of Honor, given for extraordinary valor without regard to one's safety.

On April 14, the 22-year-old corporal from Scio, N.Y., was patrolling a vehicle checkpoint near Husaybah, Iraq, when a man leapt from a car and snatched Dunham by his throat. As Dunham wrestled with his attacker, he apparently spotted a grenade in the Iraqi's hand and shouted a warning to other Marines rushing to his aid.

Marine officials would later conclude that Dunham dived onto the explosive and covered it with his helmet to shield his comrades. He died a week later at a U.S. hospital, his parents by his side. His mother, Deb, held one hand. His father, Dan, clasped the other.

"He never opened his eyes," his mother said.

Dunham is among several Americans in the Iraq war who gave their lives to save another. Marine Sgt. Kirk Straseskie, 23, of Beaver Dam, Wis., drowned after he jumped into a canal to rescue victims of a helicopter crash. Army Sgt. Jaror Puello-Coronado, 36, of Pocono Summit, Pa., was hit by an out-of-control truck after he pushed another soldier out of its path.

Dunham is the first person in this conflict to be recommended for the nation's highest military honor, according to Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. In a letter asking President Bush to approve the Medal of Honor nomination, Schumer noted that Dunham's "unbelievable bravery and selflessness" saved the lives of at least two other Marines.

"I can imagine no clearer a case of an individual soldier exhibiting the ideals that the Congressional Medal was established to honor."

Dunham's mother says they were ideals her son displayed all his life.

"He was a hero before this," she said. "It didn't take this for us to find that out."

[JohnRN]

Ever notice the kind of lives these guys lived before they died?

Pat Tillman is another example that comes readily to mind. His Mother is right - "He was a hero before this," she said. "It didn't take this for us to find that out."

I'll never forget the words of (Retd.)Capt. Winters of the 504th PIR:

"Were you a hero in the War?"
"No, but I served in the company of heroes".

Solemn news. But for some reason, it gives a measure of comfort (?) to my heart.

[odannyboy]

He deserves it, and I certainly would add my name to any list circulating that is trying to petition this brave Marine for a posthumous CMOH . You can find out more about him here:


Incredible story of heroism and valor

[odannyboy]

Originally Posted by John.

Ever notice the kind of lives these guys lived before they died?

Pat Tillman is another example that comes readily to mind. His Mother is right - "He was a hero before this," she said. "It didn't take this for us to find that out."

I'll never forget the words of (Retd.)Capt. Winters of the 504th PIR:

"Were you a hero in the War?"
"No, but I served in the company of heroes".

Solemn news. But for some reason, it gives a measure of comfort (?) to my heart.

Tillman is a story that is really hard to take, his loss affects alot of people. This guy was the real deal, a one of kind patriot of the highest caliber. He represents not only what is great about this country, but what is great about the people in our military.

You know, guys like Dick Winters are quick to call others heroes, and everyone dismisses their own contribution, but Winters is a Pat Tillman of WWII, another real deal, genuine article, made in America patriot of the highest order.

[Hoss68]

This is the young Marine who had discussed a theory with his fellow Marines about if a kevlar could take the impact of a grenade. Unfortunately he had the oppurtunity to use this theory. While it protected his brothers, he was not so lucky. Although he did survive long enough for his family to say their goodbyes.

Chris or I posted this story on the Marine Corps forums.

[AT3Weins]

Originally Posted by Hoss68

This is the young Marine who had discussed a theory with his fellow Marines about if a kevlar could take the impact of a grenade. Unfortunately he had the oppurtunity to use this theory. While it protected his brothers, he was not so lucky. Although he did survive long enough for his family to say their goodbyes.

Chris or I posted this story on the Marine Corps forums.

I knew that name sounded familiar. It is very unfortunate that he didn't make it I was hoping he would...

[conlor]

It's always sad to hear of deaths, especially in younger people, but he, and the others, allowed many others to live.