Today is a red letter day for Marines all over the world. It is the Birthday of the Corps. 234 years ago, on 10 November 1775, the Continental Congress formed the Marines. It is also the Birthday of Medal of Honor Recipient, Jason Dunham.

On April 14, 2004, 3 days after Easter Sunday, Corporal Dunham was manning a checkpoint in Karabilah, Iraq, when an insurgent leapt from his car and began choking Corporal Dunham. A scuffle ensued as two Marines approached to help. Reportedly, the last words from Corporal Dunham were, “No, No. Watch his hand.” Suddenly, the insurgent dropped a grenade. Corporal Dunham took off his Kevlar helmet, dropped to the ground, and covered the explosive as best he could.

The blast seriously wounded all 3 Marines. Eight days later, Corporal Jason L. Dunham died at Bethesda Naval Hospital from wounds he received in the incident. He was 22.

Upholding the finest traditions of the Marines, Corporal Dunham made the ultimate sacrifice, and in doing so saved the lives of his fellow Marines. Due to his actions on that fateful day, Corporal Dunham has been awarded the Medal of Honor.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Question- Can you name the five Medal of Honor recipients from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan? If you ask most people you will get a blank stare. They are more likely to be able to name the contestants on Dancing with the Stars or American Idol.

Paul Ray Smith

Michael Murphy

Jason Dunham

Michael Monsoor

Ross McGinnis

Links  shamelessly stolen from Blackfive

Go read about these Heros. Our country is poorer for their loss, but richer because they did live. R.I.P.  Gentlemen.