First Congressional Medal of Honor award (War in Iraq) nominee

[underpants]

Posthumous


U.S. Marine Cpl. Jason Dunham, shown in this undated family photo, was buried, May 1, 2004, in Scio, N.Y. Dunham died April 22, at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Md., from injuries received shielding comrades from a grenade explosion at Husaybah, Iraq (news - web sites). He has been nominated for a Medal of Honor. (AP Photo/The Wellsville Daily Reporter, courtesy Dunham family)

Marine dies saving comrades; nominated for Medal of Honor
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/09071000-onehero07-ON.html
On April 14, the 22-year-old corporal from Scio, N.Y., was patrolling a vehicle checkpoint near Husaybah, Iraq, when a man leapt from a car and snatched Dunham by his throat. As Dunham wrestled with his attacker, he apparently spotted a grenade in the

Iraqi's hand and shouted a warning to other Marines rushing to his aid.

Marine officials would later conclude that Dunham dived onto the explosive and covered it with his helmet to shield his comrades. He died a week later at a U.S. hospital, his parents by his side. His mother, Deb, held one hand. His father, Dan, clasped the other.

"He never opened his eyes," his mother said.

Dunham is the first person in this conflict to be recommended for the nation's highest military honor, according to Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. In a letter asking President Bush to approve the Medal of Honor nomination, Schumer noted that Dunham's "unbelievable bravery and selflessness" saved the lives of at least two other Marines.

"I can imagine no clearer a case of an individual soldier exhibiting the ideals that the Congressional Medal was established to honor."

[Fleshdancer]

1. so young and so brave

We have lost so many incredible men and women and I don't know why. My heart goes out to his family. May Jason rest in peace.

[Worst Username Ever]

2. Dammit

Just think of what this person could have accomplished in the world if not for this war. Bravery like that is so hard to find.

[underpants]

3. Wow falling on a grenade

That is the most immediate and telling test anyone could face in that situation. No time to weigh the options-- act or don't act.

I have nothing else to say.

[newyawker99]

4. Rest in peace Jason.

:-(