The Gift of Valor

Suggested reading

The Gift of Valor: A War Story by Michael M. Phillips

Here is a review of the book from Amazon-

During a firefight in Iraq, along the Syrian border, Marine Corporal Jason Dunham sacrificed his own life, to save the lives of his comrades. This is the story of Corporal Dunham: his life, his service and his heroism.

I must admit, that I finished this book some time ago, but it has taken me a long time to actually write this review. Yes, this is a war story, but the author, who has done four tours in Iraq as an embedded journalist, has done an excellent job. This isn't a simple story, instead it is the story of life, good and bad, and war, with its times of fun and comradeship, and times of horror and desperation.

Indeed, that is why this book took me so long to review. This book doesn't just tell you the story of Corporal Dunham, instead it brings you along, into his life and death. And when it's all done, you will also probably feel somewhat wrung out, as if you had been right there for it all.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A young Marine who fell on a hand grenade in Iraq two years ago, giving his life to save comrades, was given the Medal of Honor Thursday by President Bush, becoming only the second Iraq war recipient of the prestigious award.
Bush awarded the medal, the nation's highest military decoration, to the late Marine Cpl. Jason Dunham of Scio, New York. Dunham's parents accepted on their son's behalf during the somber ceremony in the White House's East Room.

"He was the guy who signed on for an extra two months in Iraq so he could stay with his squad. As he explained it, he wanted to `make sure that everyone makes it home alive,' " the president said. "Corporal Dunham took that promise seriously and would give his own life to make it good."