2004: Cpl Jason Dunham

During a reconnaissance mission in the town of Karabilah, Iraq, Corporal Jason Dunham and his men heard gunfire erupt nearby. 
Cpl Dunham ordered his squad toward the fighting, receiving enemy fire as they moved. 
 
At the scene, they discovered seven vehicles scrambling to depart. As they halted the vehicles to search for weapons, an insurgent leapt out. He attacked Dunham, and then released a grenade. Without hesitation, the corporal tore off his Kevlar helmet and used it to 
cover the grenade. He bore the full force of the fatal explosion, saving the lives of at least two other Marines in his squad.  
 
Dunham’s brave actions distinguished him as the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War.