As a result of his actions in Iraq, a U.S. Marine was given the U.S. Navy Cross for his actions which ultimately led to his death. As part of the process in awarding the medal, the Servicemember was evaluated for the Medal of Honor but it was decided that he did not qualify.
Seven members of Congress have now sent a letter to President Obama asking that Sergeant Rafael Peralta, the Servicemember that did qualify for the U.S. Navy Cross be awarded the metal of honor, despite not technically being qualified.
No matter if the Medal of Honor is ultimately awarded or not, it is not at issue that Sergeant Peralta was a brave U.S. Marine who gave his life for his country.
The Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates has declared that Sergeant Peralta does not qualify because he was already dead when the grenade was tossed into the area where he died. Supporters claim that Sergeant Peralta pulled the grenade that had been tossed underneath him, shielding the other people.
While the Defense department has denied the request for the Medal of Honor so far, the Congressional Delegation from California has requested that President Obama step in.
I feel the marine deserves the medal of honor. How can someone who sit’s in their office deny this brave soilder who protected his country and gave his life in the process.How can someone be awareded on their death.
This Marine definitely deserves the Medal of Honor. All present at the incident say that they are alive because of his actions in shielding others from the grenade. This Marine is a symbol of what the Corps produces. The best of the best. He gave his life for his fellow Marines and his country. What speaks even more to the honor of this Marine is that he was born in Mexico and moved here with his family, and upon receiving his green card, immediately enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. What an amazing American. It is a shame and a travesty that his actions were not awarded with the highest honor the military can bestow upon him, because that is what he gave his country. This needs to be changed by the President. This Marine is a shining example of what a true American is. Obama needs to award this Marine the respect that he truly deserves. He did exactly the same thing that Medal of Honor recipient Corporal Jason Dunham did in shielding his fellow Marines from a grenade. It deserves the same Medal