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.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor

KIA September 29th, 2006, Ramadi, Iraq. Awarded the Medal of Honor,  posthumously.

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty…”

I really wanted to write an article about Army 1st Sgt Jared Monti, but Daniel Russ over at Civilian Military Intelligence Group says it better.

It is to bad that, as a country, we see fit only to honor men like this after they are dead.

Rest in Peace 1st Sgt. and Thank You for Your Service.