Navy Destroyer Named for Dunham

Jason Dunham of Scio, New York, sacrificed his life while fighting in the war in Iraq and now that sacrifice has been honored. On Friday, a small group of people gathered for a keel laying ceremony at Bath Iron Works for a Navy destroyer named the U.S.S. Jason Dunham that will join the Pacific Fleet. The vessel is expected to be ready for active duty in 2010. Dunham died in April of 2004 after throwing himself on a live grenade in Iraq. His action saved the lives of two of his fellow soldiers. He was 22 years old. Dunham was also awarded with the nation's highest military honor, the Medal of Honor. Last August, Dunham's jersey number was retired during halftime ceremonies at the annual Don Raabe Big 30 Charities Classic All-Star Game, in which he played following his senior year of high school.