Corporal Jason L. Dunham
U.S. Marine Corps
Killed in Action | Iraq War
April 14, 2004
Early Life
Jason Lee Dunham was born November 10, 1981, in Scio, New York. Small-town roots. Big-league courage.
After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2000. Those who knew him described him as steady, loyal, the kind of friend who would carry your pack without being asked. Turns out he would carry much more.
Service in Iraq
In 2004, Cpl. Dunham deployed with 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines to the Al-Anbar Province of Iraq during the intense fighting that followed the fall of Saddam Hussein.
On April 14, 2004, his squad was conducting a vehicle checkpoint near Husaybah when insurgents attacked. During the engagement, Dunham tackled an enemy fighter to the ground. A grenade dropped during the struggle.
In a split second that separated fear from heroism, he covered the grenade with his helmet and his body, shielding his fellow Marines from the blast.
He absorbed the explosion.
Two Marines nearby were wounded but survived because of his selfless action.
Cpl. Dunham succumbed to his injuries eight days later, on April 22, 2004.
Medal of Honor
In 2007, he became the first Marine of the Iraq War to receive the Medal of Honor.
George W. Bush presented the award to his family at the White House, saying:
“Corporal Dunham put the lives of his fellow Marines ahead of his own.”
The USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109) was later named in his honor, ensuring his name sails the world’s oceans in steel and saltwater.
Legacy
Cpl. Dunham was 22 years old.
He did not hesitate.
He did not look away.
He did what Marines have done for generations.
His story reminds us that valor is not loud. It is decisive.
On this March 3rd, 2026, we honor a Marine who turned a grenade into a shield.
Honor The Fallen | Support The Living | Teach The Next Generation
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