# In memory of a truly great American **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 15, 2002, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-memory-of-a-truly-great-american/124095 "2002-08-15T21:36:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e36b37/32.png) [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2002, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-memory-of-a-truly-great-american/124095/1 "2002-08-15T21:36:16Z")
Senior Airman Jason Cunningham, an Air Force Combat Controller, is to be awarded the [Air Force Cross](http://www.pjsinnam.com/Enduring%20Freedom/EF%20News.htm), second only to the Medal of Honor for airmen, posthumously for bravery in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. He saved 10 lives after the helicopter he was in was shot down by a missile, repeatedly exposing himself to hostile fire while moving his comrades to safe areas. Eventually, he was shot and killed. He exemplified the Air Force Core Values: Integrity, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All You Do. I could only hope to do so as well as he did. He should be held up as an example of a Great American. I know he always will be for me. Here’s a [memorial](http://www.arlingtoncemetery.com/jdcunningham.htm) from Arlington National Cemetery, where he was buried. One day I think I’ll visit, just to honor him for what he did for my fellow serivcemen, and to remind myself that there are others who would do the same for me, just as I would hopefully do for them. ---
**Author:** ![NurseCarmen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/5daacb/32.png) [@NurseCarmen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NurseCarmen)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2002, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-memory-of-a-truly-great-american/124095/2 "2002-08-15T21:41:10Z")
[salute] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [/salute] ---
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2002, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-memory-of-a-truly-great-american/124095/3 "2002-08-15T21:54:35Z")
☹ Tripler Gone, but not forgotten . . . ---
**Author:** ![Kilt-wearin\_man](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/82dd89/32.png) [@Kilt-wearin\_man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kilt-wearin_man)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2002, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-memory-of-a-truly-great-american/124095/4 "2002-08-15T23:18:40Z")
Damn right, Airman. Hoo-rah! If you’re not familiar with it, check out the story of Captain Lance Sijan also…a quick Google search on his last name will get you a page full of results. ---
**Author:** ![d12](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/71c47a/32.png) [@d12](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/d12)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2002, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-memory-of-a-truly-great-american/124095/5 "2002-08-16T02:28:01Z")
It’s only when they’re gone that most people value them. Many people have made sacrifices in the name of freedom. Tripler put it best, Gone But Not Forgotten. ---
**Author:** ![Spit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/76d3ee/32.png) [@Spit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spit)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2002, 10:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-memory-of-a-truly-great-american/124095/6 "2002-08-16T10:12:07Z")
“The fearless are merely fearless. People who act in spite of their fear are truly brave.” -James A. LaFond-Lewis Great post **Airman**. ---
**Author:** ![photopat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e95f7d/32.png) [@photopat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/photopat)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2002, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-memory-of-a-truly-great-american/124095/7 "2002-08-16T16:18:23Z")
Airman Doors, he deserves whatever honors there are, and I hope you never have to do what he did. Good luck.