White House Briefing: Story of A War Hero

ABC News’ Karen Travers Reports From the White House: Press Sect. Tony Snow took some time during his daily briefing today to focus attention on the heroic effort of Corporal Dunham:

   "In April of 2004, he was leading a patrol of Marines in an Iraqi town near the Syrian border.  When a nearby Marine convoy was ambushed, Corporal Dunham led his squad to the site of the attack, where he and his men stopped a convoy of cars that were attempting to escape.

   As he moved to search one of the vehicles, an insurgent jumped out and grabbed Corporal Dunham by the throat.  The corporal engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat and, at one point, he shouted to fellow Marines, "No, no, no, watch his hand."

   Moments later, a grenade rolled out.  Corporal Dunham jumped on the grenade to protect his fellow Marines, using his helmet and body to absorb the blast.

   Corporal Dunham was born 25 years ago today."

President Bush heads to Quantico this afternoon for the dedication of the National Museum of the Marine Corps. He will also recognize Marine Corporate Jason Dunham with the Congressional Medal of Honor, America’s highest decoration of valor.