FLANDERS FIELDS FUND

Corporal Jason L. Dunham, a Marine who personified the ethos of courage and sacrifice, laid down his life for his country on April 14, 2004. His gallantry on the battlefield in Iraq resulted in him posthumously receiving the Medal of Honor, the first Marine to be so honored since the days of the Vietnam War.

Born and raised in Scio, New York, CPL Dunham felt a calling to serve. Answering that call, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in the year 2000. There, he committed himself to the ideals of service, honor, and country, a commitment that would eventually take him halfway across the world to the sands of Iraq.

CPL Dunham was an integral part of the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. In 2004, his unit was deployed to Iraq. He and his fellow Marines found themselves engaged in intense combat situations daily, testing their training, their courage, and their commitment to each other.

April 14, 2004, brought CPL Dunham and his squad to the town of Karabilah. There, during a routine patrol, they found themselves ambushed by insurgents. In the midst of the firefight, CPL Dunham spotted an enemy grenade arcing towards his squad. Without a moment's hesitation, he threw himself onto the grenade, absorbing the devastating blast with his own body and shielding his comrades.

The explosion inflicted severe wounds on CPL Dunham. He was swiftly evacuated from the battlefield and rushed to a nearby hospital, where a dedicated team of medical professionals fought to save him. Despite their best efforts, however, CPL Dunham succumbed to his injuries eight days later. His heroic act didn't go unnoticed - he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

CPL Dunham's story is a powerful testament to the values of selflessness and bravery. His decision, made in a split second, saved many lives that day, illustrating the ultimate sacrifice of putting others before oneself. His legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the remarkable courage that dwells within our servicemen and women.

Remembering CPL Dunham's sacrifice is critical, not just for honoring his memory, but also for understanding the depth of commitment that our servicemen and women make daily to protect our freedom. His story is an enduring source of inspiration, reminding us all of the valor inherent in selfless service. We should never forget CPL Dunham, and let us always honor and respect the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women.

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