Jonathan Yale

Jonathan T. Yale was a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps and a recipient of the Navy Cross. Yale was serving as a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines on April 22, 2008 when a dump truck loaded with 2,000 pounds of explosives raced toward the security checkpoint he was guarding together with Lance Cpl. Jordan Haerter. Both Yale and Haerter stood their ground and defended the checkpoint in Joint Security Station Nasser in Ramadi, Iraq before the truck exploded, killing Haerter instantly and leaving Yale mortally wounded. The incident happened in just six seconds but their actions saved the lives of over 50 Marines and Iraqi Policemen.

Lawmakers and civilians have sought to award Yale with the Medal of Honor for his actions. Yale is survived by his mother Rebecca Pride; his father William Sydnor, Jr.; and his sister Tammy Yale.