Medal of Honor: Jason L. Dunham – Iraq War – April 14, 2004

Name: Jason L. Dunham
Rank: Corporal
Branch: United States Marine Corps
War: Iraq War
Unit: Rifle Squad Leader, 4th Platoon, Company K, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines (Reinforced), Regimental Combat Team 7, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced)
Date of Action: April 14, 2004
Location: Karabilah, Iraq

Summary of Action

On 14 April 2004, Corporal Jason L. Dunham was serving as a rifle squad leader with Company K, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines during combat operations in Karabilah, Iraq.

His squad was conducting a reconnaissance mission when they heard rocket-propelled grenade and small-arms fire erupt nearby.

A battalion commander’s convoy had been ambushed while traveling to Camp Husaybah.

Dunham immediately led his Combined Anti-Armor Team toward the fight to provide fire support.

As his Marines advanced, they came under enemy fire.

He ordered his squad to dismount their vehicles and personally led one fire team on foot several blocks south of the ambushed convoy.

There they encountered seven Iraqi vehicles attempting to leave the area.

Dunham and his team stopped the column and began searching the vehicles for weapons.

As they approached, an insurgent suddenly leaped out and attacked him.

Dunham wrestled the attacker to the ground.

During the struggle, he saw the insurgent release a grenade.

Instantly recognizing the danger, Dunham warned his fellow Marines.

Knowing there was no time for others to escape, he threw himself over the grenade, covering it with his helmet and body.

The explosion mortally wounded him, but his action shielded nearby Marines and saved at least two lives.

Through unmatched courage, selfless sacrifice, and devotion to his men, Corporal Dunham upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Medal of Honor Citation

DUNHAM, JASON L.

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Rifle Squad Leader, 4th Platoon, Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines (Reinforced), Regimental Combat Team 7, First 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".