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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. |
