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Here is his Medal of
Honor citation:
*DUNHAM, JASON L.
Rank and
organization: Corporal, 4th Platoon, Co. K, 3rd
Battalion, 7th Marines (Reinforced), Regimental Combat Team
7, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced), U.S. Marine Corps.
Place and date: Karabilah, Iraq, 14 April 2004. Entered service
at: Scio, NY. Born: 10 November 1981, Scio, New York.
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, 3rd
Battalion, 7th Marines (Reinforced), Regimental Combat Team
7, 1st 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. |