Speaking to Corporal Jason Dunham as though he were in the crowd listening, Major Trent Gibson, the corporal's former captain, recounted the night before Dunham's act of heroism.

“My theory of leadership has three principles: lead by example; self sacrifice for the greater good; and one man can make a difference,” he said. “I knew you had these qualities, but didn't comprehend what a great leader you had become until that night when I watched as two of your men brought you a hot plate of chow because you were up at midnight laying out the next day's mission and hadn't had time to take care of yourself.

“As I witnessed that, I knew you had become a respected and trusted leader. That title can't be bestowed by your seniors; it must be given by your subordinates,” Gibson continued. “Comprehending that, I wondered what would I ever do if I lost a Marine like that.”

With tears in his eyes and a quiver in his voice, Gibson continued, “Now I know. I would write you up for this nation's highest award for valor [Medal of Honor], because you led by example, self sacrifice, and you did make a difference.”

Continuing his dialog, Gibson said to Dunham, “You made the ultimate self-sacrifice for the greater good. Inspired by you, those Marines of yours continued to take the battle to the enemy for the next five months. You are a Marine amongst Marines, that which we all strive to be, and you are somehow more pure. Your self-proclaimed mission to bring back your men alive was realized because of your sacrifice. So I say, 'Mission accomplished, Corporal Dunham.' I'm proud of you. I love you, and, for your service to us all, I salute you.”

***

And, at that point, having finished his tribute, Major Gibson rendered a salute.

May Corporal Jason Dunham rest in peace."