Schumer Statement on Corporal Jason Dunham

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer released the following statement on President Bush awarding the Congressional Medal to the parents of Corporal Jason Dunham of Scio, NY in Allegany County. In 2004, Schumer wrote to the President asking him to bestow the Nations highest military honor on the native New Yorker.

Corporal Dunham unflinchingly gave what Lincoln deemed the last full measure of devotion and his heroism reflects the true spirit of selflessness, leadership, and courage that the Medal of Honor was established to recognize. Corporal Dunham laid down his life by shielding members of his unit from danger by throwing himself on a live grenade, an act of unbelievable bravery and selflessness that saved the lives of at least two fellow Marines. I was proud to support his nomination and want to personally congratulate his family on behalf of all New Yorkers.

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer