"Greater love hath no man than this -- that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13
By JEFF EMANUEL
November 10, 2006
But it's not that simple. To be more accurate about Jason -- specifically regarding what it is that really makes him different from any other 24-year-old -- you must know this additional context: Jason Dunham, a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps, is no longer with us because he gave his life in Iraq for his Marine Corps brothers, as well as for the freedom of every one of us back home. He would have turned 25 Friday -- coincidentally, the 231st birthday of the Marine Corps, and the day before Veterans Day.
Though necessary, it hardly scratches the surface of sufficient repayment to Corporal Dunham, and to his family, that he will be posthumously presented the Congressional Medal of Honor, the nation's highest possible award for military valor, and one which must be directly awarded by the President of the United States.
The Medal, established by Joint Resolution of Congress, is awarded to an Armed Forces member who "distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against any enemy of the United States, while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force." Corporal Jason Dunham embodies these principles and requirements to a "T." and the Medal of Honor will be presented to Corporal Dunham's family at an upcoming ceremony at the White House.
What Dunham did to earn this most distinguished of awards is stunning in its selflessness and heroism. According to a brief report of his actions:
On April 14, 2004, Corporal Dunham heroically saved the lives of two of his fellow Marines by jumping on a grenade during an ambush in the town of Karabilah.
When a nearby Marine convoy was ambushed, Corporal Dunham led his squad to the site of the attack, where he and his men stopped a convoy of cars trying to make an escape. As he moved to search one of the vehicles, an insurgent jumped out and grabbed the corporal by the throat.
The corporal engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. At one point, he shouted to his fellow Marines, "No. No. No. Watch his hand."
Moments later, an enemy grenade rolled out and Corporal Dunham jumped on the grenade to protect his fellow Marines, using his helmet and body to absorb the blast. Corporal Dunham succumbed to his wounds on April 22, 2004.
An amazing sacrifice, and the result of a mindset which is as intrinsic to the mind of the soldier as it is foreign to the mind of the civilian. With this act, as well as with the rest of his actions while in the service -- and doubtless before -- Jason Dunham displayed the incredible bravery, love, and selflessness which is the very embodiment of the Gospel of John, chapter fifteen, verse thirteen, which says, "Greater love hath no man than this -- that he lay down his life for his friends."
This Veterans Day, it is important to remember the sacrifice of men like Corporal Jason Dunham, and to reflect on the fact that America's uniformed services are full of men and women who would gladly give their lives for their comrades, as well as for every man, woman, and child at home.
America's armed forces are made up entirely of volunteers who knew the risks when they joined, and who willingly embrace those risks, along with their accompanying responsibilities, every day, both to protect their homeland and for the greater good of accomplishing their varying missions throughout the world.
This Veterans Day, take a moment to thank a friend, family member, or total stranger who has served - or is serving - this country, for, while they will never seek the praise or thanks of their fellow man, all will appreciate the gratitude. It is the least that we can do to honor those who have kept us both safe and free for the past 230 years that America has stood strong -- and it is largely because of men like Jason Dunham, both in this generation and in future ones, that we shall remain so, despite the attempts of our enemies to the contrary.
I can think of no better way to conclude this piece than by quoting the best post that I have seen on Corporal Dunham to this point. From the milblog "I Love Jet Noise," with regard to a Washington Post article on the Marine hero:
I've been trying to decide what to say about this all morning, but on reflection I think this says it all:
Lance Cpl. Dean told those assembled about a trip to Las Vegas the two men and Becky Jo Dean had taken in January, not long before the battalion left for the Persian Gulf.
Chatting in a hotel room, [Dunham] told his friends he was planning to extend his enlistment and stay in Iraq for the battalion's entire tour. "You're crazy for extending," Lance Cpl. Dean recalls saying. "Why?"
He says Cpl. Dunham responded: "I want to make sure everyone makes it home alive. I want to be sure you go home to your wife alive."
Mission accomplished, Corporal Dunham. Semper Fidelis.
More at Blackfive and I Love Jet Noise.
I am new to blogs...but definitely have opinions. My grandfather served as a Chaplain for Eisenhower and on troop hospital transport ships off Normandy Beach, my father served as a bombardier on a B-29 out of the Philippines, my mother worked in a war plant belting .50 cal shells during the Battle of the Bulge and lost her husband to that War in Japan (he has never been recovered)...and I now wait here at home for a son who serves as a United States Marine.
My pride is huge, but I worry about the nation's economy, the safety of our troops, our troops benefits upon their return, troop and elderly medical resources, continually--as do many Americans.
My son was with the MEU in first response to the USS Cole disaster, assigned to the Marine Corps quick reaction force on the West Coast following 9/11, and has deployed in 2003, 2005 & 2007 to Iraq. He suffers from some PTSD, but continues to serve with pride, resolve and vigor.
He will deploy in early fall to Afghanistan with his unit and recent developments there concern me greatly. He and his troops are trained and focused for the tasks that await them during their deployment. My son KNOWS that he has the support of his family and friends...and tries not to concern himself with whining individual citizen issues related to his service and his commander-in-chief's decisions. A decision was necessary and thanx to our President one was made and stuck to...against the odds and the polsters.
Having been a police officer for over 30 years...I believe everyone suffers from some PTSD, if they have emersed themselves in life, adventures and issues. We are stronger and heartier than we see in our news--especially when America is at stake.
I support John McCain in his bid for President for reasons repeated by his campaign literature. But, mostly, I support him for his lack of partisanship, dedication to America and knowledge of foreign issues--ones that, if not handled with care, could end our America as it is today.
Granted gas is high, food tainted and unemployment rising in America today. But, what I feel we need to remember is that individuals like Jason Dunham served, and without question, for the values we treasure...he did not whine and retreat...he and many others dedicate themselves to the orders issued on behalf of their nation. They do not serve for 2-5 years in Iraq, but for victory for that struggling nation. Retreat without cause and abandonment of tough tasks are not American traits or something even considered by our forefathers.
Some other candidates than McCain would have you believe that retreat is not seen as weakness or invitation to assault our way of life on our soil. Our missions must remain resolved and often covert to maintain solid defense against those that don't just want to destroy us, but will, if we allow them to second-guess or develop chasms in our resolve.
I think it very trite to say, but important to remember:
"Freedom is Not Free."
Thank you for listening to my rant...it is toned down for this venue, but honest and sincere.
Very Proud Marine Corps MOM, Texas born and bred!
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