[kwflatbed]

Marine who died in Iraq won't get Medal of Honor

Published December 12, 2012
Associated Press

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  Marine Corps Sgt. Rafael Peralta, who died in Iraq, has been mentioned as an alternative to Cesar Chavez for the name of a cargo ship under construction in San Diego. (AP)

SAN DIEGO - The secretary of defense has denied a request to upgrade a fallen Marine's Navy Cross to the Medal of Honor, a San Diego congressman's office said Wednesday.
The Pentagon told Rep. Duncan Hunter it supports the decision of former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who honored Sgt. Rafael Peralta with the Navy Cross instead of the military's highest honor.
Peralta was not conscious when his body smothered a grenade in Iraq in 2004, saving the lives of other Marines, Gates ruled in 2008.
The case was reopened this year after Hunter obtained a video of the battle action and a new forensics report. The lawmaker said the new evidence proved Peralta's actions were intentional.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/12/12/calif-congressman-says-fallen-marine-navy-cross-wont-be-upgraded-to-medal-honor/#ixzz2ExWiyYPd

 

[LGriffin]

Steve Sebby, who was a combat photographer following Peralta's unit that day, told The Times in November that the Pentagon's own Navy Cross citation seems to confirm Peralta's heroism. That citation says Peralta "reached out and pulled the grenade to his body."
"If he didn't do any of that stuff, like the forensic evidence says, then why would he rate that medal?
Read more at http://www.reagancoalition.com/articles/2012/20121213004-medal-of-honor-denied.html#CT4mqvjdSieqFgmD.99

 

[Guest]

He went above and beyond and paid with his life what more do they want from him. I like to see the those who denied him the Medal of Honor try to do the same.

Semper Fidelis Sgt Peralta we all know you earned it. R.I.P.