Which Marine disobeyed orders to make multiple rescue trips into heavy fire to save Marines and Afghan soldiers?

• A. Dakota Meyer
• B. Jason Dunham
• C. Daniel Daly
• D. Ira Hayes

Answer: (A)

Disobeying orders to risk life for teammates under direct enemy fire is the key idea here. During the 2009 battle in Ganjgal, Afghanistan, this Marine repeatedly pushed back into heavy fire to reach and pull wounded Marines and an Afghan soldier to safety, and he also helped recover the bodies of fallen comrades. He did not stay put as ordered, but pressed on to save as many lives as possible, actions that earned him the Medal of Honor. The other well-known Medal of Honor recipients referenced achieved bravery in different wars or circumstances, not this specific rescue under fire in Afghanistan, so the described rescue sequence points to this Marine’s actions in Ganjgal.