Designates bridge on state route 19, in the town of Amity, county of Allegany, as the "Corporal Jason Dunham Memorial Bridge"

Summary of provisions

Section 1. Adds two new sections, 343-kk and 342-mm to the highway law. Section 343-kk of the highway law would designate the portion of State Route 19, also known as Transit Hill Road, constituting bridge number 1061660, in the Town of Amity, County of Allegany, as the" Corporal Jason Dunham Memorial Bridge."

Section 342-mm of the highway law would designate the portion of State Route 19, also known as Transit Hill Road, within the Town of Amity, County of Allegany, as the "Corporal Jason Dunham Memorial Highway."

Section 2. Provides that the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation shall provide for the installation and maintenance of adequate signage reflecting the ceremonial designation of the bridge as the "Corporal Jason Dunham Memorial Bridge" and the portion of State Route 19 located in the Town of Amity, County of Allegany, as the "Corporal Jason Dunham Memorial Highway."

Section 3. States the enactment date.

Justification

Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Corporal Jason Dunham enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from Scio Central School in Allegany County in 2000.

Corporal Dunham made the decision to re-enlist for a second tour with the Marines to stay with his men and "make sure everyone makes it home alive." During his second tour he was serving as Rifle Squad Leader, 4th Platoon, Kilo Company, Third Battalion, in Iraq.

True to his word, Corporal Dunham saved the lives of two fellow Marines in Karbala, Iraq on April 14, 2004 when he used his Kevlar helmet and body to shield his fellow marines from a live grenade. Corporal Dunham died April 22, 2004, at 22 years old, from the devastating injuries he sustained while performing this heroic and selfless act.

By acting instinctively, without regard to personal injury, Corporal Dunham embodied the bravery and class that has made the United States Armed Forces the most respected in the world.

A decorated officer, Corporal Jason Dunham was awarded the congressional Medal of Honor, the nation's highest honor for military valor, posthumously. He was the first Marine to receive this award for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He was also awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with one Service Star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

His life story, and act of heroic sacrifice was further memorialized by author Michael M. Phillips, in "The Gift of Valor."

The Navy, in recognition of Corporal Dunham's courageous act, officially named the US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer DDG-109 the USS Jason Dunham.

Corporal Dunham was a true hero in every sense of the word - a person to admire, look up to, and emulate, a Marine who led by example. This bill would memorialize State Route 19 in the Town of Amity, County of Allegany, which leads directly into Corporal Jason Dunham's hometown of Scio, New York and the bridge on State Route 19 in Town of Amity, County of Allegany, which crosses over Interstate 86 in remembrance of his unwavering devotion to the protection of human life, even at the cost of his own.

Legislative history

This is a new bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.