Posted on 01/12/2007 3:20:29 AM PST by indcons
Tears rolled down US President George Bush's cheeks as he posthumously honoured a US marine hero, just 24 hours after ordering the controversial deployment of an extra 21,500 troops to Iraq.
The unusual display of emotion by the commander-in-chief came during a ceremony for Corporal Jason Dunham at the White House.
Corporal Dunham, 22, died from injuries after he jumped on a grenade and saved fellow members of his patrol in Iraq.
Mr Bush presented his parents with the prestigious Medal of Honour, America's highest military award.
Corporal Dunham saved at least two lives during a struggle with an insurgent near Iraq's Syrian border.
"On a dusty road in western Iraq, Corporal Dunham gave his own life so that the men under his command might live," the president said. "It's my privilege to recognise Corporal Dunham's devotion to the corps and country."
The presentation was made in the East Room of the White House before a packed crowd that included Corporal Dunham's family and dozens of marines in dress uniforms.
Corporal Dunham's father and mother said after the ceremony that the honour should be shared with their son's fellow marines.
"They're all courageous. It's as much theirs as it is Jason's," said Dan Dunham.
"I've lost my son but he became a part of history," said Corporal Dunham's mother, Deb. "It still hurts as a parent, but the pride that you have from knowing he did the right thing makes it easier."
She said Jason's "second family," the Marine Corps, had done everything that could be asked, but acknowledged they still do not have what they all want most.
"I wanted him here, and I didn't have him," said Deb Dunham.
In April 2004, Corporal Dunham received a report that a marine convoy had been ambushed, according to a marine corps account.
Corporal Dunham led his men to the site near Husaybah, halting a convoy of departing cars. An insurgent in one of the vehicles grabbed him by the throat when he went to search the car and the two fought.
A grenade was dropped, and Corporal Dunham covered the explosive with his Kevlar helmet, which, along with his chest armour plate, absorbed some of the blast.
He lived long enough to be transferred to a hospital in the United States, where he died with his parents beside him.
Corporal Dunham was only the second member of the military to receive the Medal of Honour for service in the Iraq war.
May this hero RIP.
On a military/historical note - Corporal Dunham was only the second member of the military to receive the Medal of Honour for service in the Iraq war.
I frankly can't imagine the burden this man carries.
I don't know why anyone would want the job.
Who is THAT behind him?
One of the brothers of the fallen hero.
The point is that this young man might be coming home to his family ALIVE if we'd had this discussion earlier.
Or do you find dead heroes more appealing than a sane national defense policy applied to those matters bearing on America's vital interests and an even more sane policy of going to war FULLY EQUIPPED AND ACTUALLY READY TO WIN AND TO HELL WITH WORLD OPINION?
I fear with the dims in power, W's job is only gonna get tougher. The President's tears at the loss of this brave young Marine are truly heart wrenching.
"Dick Bachert" it's all in the name isn't it? Hey Dick, thanks for the input now go back in your hole. mmmkay thanks.
The fact is DICK, this man was honored for his bravery and willingness to give his LIFE to save others. And you BELITTLE this by taking it as an opportunity to whine about the war in Iraq. People like you disgust me, and if you had a relative or friend die in 9/11 (yeah 9/11 your remember that?) you might have a little different story to tell. Thanks DICK.
"I frankly can't imagine the burden this man carries."
Me either. He must be a VERY strong person, physically, mentally and spiritually to carry the weight of this country on his shoulders. I pray for him daily.
All the RAT/lib/socialists care about is their power. They want to be in charge, yet never make a substantive decision. One day, they will be sitting in the rubble that was once their offices, and they all will be blaming President Bush for not doing more.
I fear with the dims in power, W's job is only gonna get tougher. The President's tears at the loss of this brave young Marine are truly heart wrenching.
I really believe that W is doing something that transends politics. Ultimately, because of dealing with life and death since the start of his administration, the dims cannot touch the soul and spirit of the man.
I totally agree.
Ultimately, because of dealing with life and death since the start of his administration, the dims cannot touch the soul and spirit of the man.
And what an incredible spirit the President possesses. Would it be that the dims are correct and all we have to do is leave Iraq and all the world will then share a bottle of Coke and sing that dippy song. But the dims aren't correct and we can't just abandon Iraq.
The President knows it and so did that brave young man that give his life.
How I despise the press.
I completely agree. This conflict has taught me just how short-sighted, petty, panicky and weak-willed so many of us are—how easily we are swayed by what people think, rather than what we know to be right.
I may not always agree with the President, but I do the vast majority of the time I do and my admiration for his strength, courage, discipline and vision are beyond description. I feel honored to have been given the opportunity to watch him work.
"But the dims aren't correct and we can't just abandon Iraq"
We abandoned Iraq and our president when we let these parasites get control of congress. I hope all those bloviating so-called repubs are happy now. The dims are just getting started and with the help of the rhinos in both houses will not stop until they have us all wearing turbans and burkas.
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