Cpl. Jason Dunham

There are thousands of heroes whose names have been written in the Military history of our country for their service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Many received decorations for the gallantry shown in combat above and beyond the call of duty, and five, so far, have received the much venerated Medal of Honor:
SFC Paul Ray Smith, US Army, posthumous, Iraq.
Lt. Michael Murphy, US Navy, posthumous, Afghanistan.
PO2C Michael Monsoor, US Navy, posthumous, Iraq.
Spc. Ross McGinnis, US Army, posthumous, Iraq.

The fifth name belongs to Cpl. Jason Dunham, USMC.

Cpl. Dunham on patrol in Karabilah, Iraq, on April 14, 2004 was faced by several insurgents that engaged his squad as the Marines were searching a vehicle. One of the insurgents rolled a live grenade and Cpl. Dunham warned his brothers and placed his Kevlar over the grenade and his body on his helmet. He survived the explosion for few days before succumbing to the wounds, but saved the lives of at least two of his Marines.

The Navy is getting ready to launch the USS Jason Dunham, an Arleigh Burke class destroyer, to be christened by Jason’s mom, Debra Dunham. In a touching ceremony conducted early July, several personal items of Jason were placed inside the main mast of the destroyer and the urn was welded shut, for ever making those items integral part of the ship.

It is with great pleasure that I see the US Navy honor such a hero for his sacrifice with such an honor. The commander of the new destroyer, Commander M. Scott Sciretta recalls when he was first offered the command of the Jason Dunham. He did not have to hesitate in accepting the duty. He also recalls telling his wife about the new ship and the story behind the name. Mrs. Sciretta only added: “I’ll start packing”.

Surely the spirit of such a hero will be hovering above the new ship as it takes its place in the fleet. God bless Cpl. Jason Dunham and his family.

And these are my thoughts!
Frank “Semperpapa”