Mike the Marine wrote on Sep 17, 2008 3:45 PM:If one would look at the history of of Medal of Honor winners of the Marines, there are numerous awards for the same heroic act performed by Peralta. If he was shot by a fellow Marine in the confusion and the "fog of war", it does not, in any way, reduce his willing sacrifice to protect his brothers. Once again, bureaucrats have swept honor from the field. They should be ashamed.

Granny wrote on Sep 17, 2008 3:46 PM:This is unthinkable. How can the readers help change their minds.

mark wrote on Sep 17, 2008 4:36 PM:The Medal of Honor is the highest award..if this doesnt call for it what does?

Jaws Squid wrote on Sep 17, 2008 5:09 PM:This is crap. That man saved lives with his own, and to me that is the ultimate sacrifice. If not deserving of the Medal of Honor for that, then I don't know what is deserving of it.

KC wrote on Sep 17, 2008 5:11 PM:I'm so sick of these bureaucrats, this is a Marine that deserves the Medal of Honor. He gave his life, so that the other Marines could finish the mission; a TRUE NCO. Semper Fi,

SgtMaj. USMC Retired wrote on Sep 17, 2008 5:18 PM:Knowingly ending your life to save your fellow Marines deserves the highest award this country can give..Those who recommended anything less should be ashamed..President bush can and should order THE MEDAL OF HONOR TO BE BESTOWED ON THIS HERO!!

JOHN R. wrote on Sep 17, 2008 5:20 PM:AS A FORMER MARINE, I AM BOTH SHOCKED AND ANGERED THAT SGT. PERALTA DID NOT RECEIVED THE MEDAL OF HONOR. OTHER MARINES IN PAST WARS WHO SHIELDED A GRENADE WITH THEIR OWN BODIES AND SAVED THEIR BUDDIES WERE AWARDED THE MOH HANDS DOWN. I AGREE WITH MIKE THE MARINE, THOSE BUREAUCRATS JUST DON'T GET IT. THEY SHOULD DO AN ABOUT FACE AND CORRECT THIS INJUSTICE A.S.A.P.!

Never agreed with Naploen wrote on Sep 17, 2008 6:32 PM:...who said, "soliders will willing die for a piece of ribbon."

This Marine's selfless act was not motivated by his desire to win the MoH. And, whether is is awarded it, the Navy Cross, or nothing at all does not make him any less a hero.

If the medal brings peace to his survivors, perhaps it should be awarded, but then the medal becomes a consolation for the family, not confirmation for his heroics.

Again, he is a hero, with or without the medal.

Rest in Peace, Marine!

Navy LT wrote on Sep 17, 2008 6:53 PM:This Marine exemplifies the core values of the USMC and others alive today because of his actions. I would encourage everyone to write Congressman Darryl Issa and ask him to get involved into why the review board feels that this Marine did not go above and beyond the call of duty to warrant the CMH.

Marine Wife wrote on Sep 17, 2008 7:46 PM:This marine is truly a fighter, and definitley a HERO!!!! My husband is physically disabled because of a tourin Iraq, and he is getting released with no benefits, I am so sorry that the gov't. is doing this. I agree withthe about the young man that died is a hero regardless of the award! My respects to this family and all the other military families out there.

Grump wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:12 PM:BS.....this was the highest act of self sacrifice and bravery, there are many Americans who over the last 5 years in Iraq have deserved the CMH, but have been awarded less because the brass have elevated the requirements beyond ridiculous.

Paco wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:36 PM:Isn't it curious to note that a Navy SEAL was awarded a Medal of Honor for doing the exact same thing? And it was awarded in less time than Peralta's. Is it that the Navy board has a lower threshold for determing the award. I am not trying to diminish the SEALs actions, but rather questioning why there are different standards for different services.

Chief wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:54 PM:Why is there such an outcry about which type of medal he receives instead of an outcry about WHY this hero and others were there in the first place? The chickenhawk draft dodgers Cheney/Bush/Wolfowitz/Rumsfield/Ashcroftrushed our magnificent troops into a manufactured war instead of as a last resort and will not be held accountable.

Top Willy wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:59 PM:It's sad to admit because of my love for the Corps and it's Marines/Sailors, but if he were an Officer he would have been awarded the Medal of Honor.

Mescal0311 wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:00 PM:What a travesty the Marine Corps should be ashamed.

Disgusted Grunt.

The Navy Cross is not small thing wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:52 PM:I can't imagine we are arguing over somethngs this petty! Everyday we speak of this as not getting enough recogniction we dishoner this proud Marine! The news has made a simple statement that the wife is disappointed into somehting bigger than it is. He served his country! He gave all. A CMH will not bring him back to life! Let us use this time to remember who he was when he was alive and not the final moments of it. He was so mcuh more! He was recognized for an act I am sure he would do again and again! That is what we Marine do for each other! I pray for my brother and his family who need to honor him and focus on the postive this man represented!

Semper Fi!

Response to all who have written here wrote on Sep 17, 2008 10:01 PM:You all may be correct in many of your observations! The fact remains this marine did his duty above the call of duty! He lovedwhat he did, what it was to be a Marine and all this bickering will not bring him back, or help to honor his act of bravery! My guess is his wife would have preferred to have him back rather than a stupid medal. She new who he was as a marnie and the risk! He did too! What made him a Marine is part of the reason she married himand loved him! He had character! Let us honor this heronot focus on the negative. I am glad the country has honored his service. Who cares what the color of the ribbion is that will rest in a box some where! The medal will only act as a reminder of the cost of war! It will act as reminder to cause family to speak of the ordinary man who did an extra ordinary act! What a great country the USA is and we are fortunate to live in, to have had Sgt. Rafael Peralta in it! He is a modern day hero! Semper Fi Marine and God Speed!

Everything is political wrote on Sep 17, 2008 10:06 PM:Even who gets what medal! hink how many Marine had to write up there own medal citiation! Usually Marine always get little or no medals in comparison to the other services! So we all knew that! It comes with the turf of being a Marine! How many former Drill Instructors got promoted over Former Recruiters? The same drill insructors who failed out of Recruiters school and then were sent over to the DI school! Yet they are given preference over others who accopeted thier orders! Big deal! Tough luck! Evryone needs to stop minimizing this Marines service and the award he received like it it nothing! There are many Marine who got nothing for thier sacrfice and service over the 200 plus years and that is the way it is! So move on and stop disrespecting yoursleves and this hero!

Chief you are pathetic wrote on Sep 17, 2008 10:08 PM:Thanks for the liberal rhetoric! You dishonor yourself and others!

AWTOOTOOBAD wrote on Sep 18, 2008 5:25 AM:Sgt. Peralta was another victim of REMFS who demean the acts of brave men and women to protect their own sense of worthlessness.
Write your Senators and Representative and voice your outrage. Senator Webb would also be worth the time.
"Top", based on the huge number of MoH's awarded to officers, I would say, "blow it out your ditty bag".
S/F

CPO USN-Retired wrote on Sep 18, 2008 7:54 AM:Chief, I agree with the 9/17/08 10:08PM (2008) entry! Please don't use the title Chief in future entries, you don't deserve the honor. Sgt. Peralta performed a heroic act which saved the lives of his shipmates. While the Navy Cross is nothing to snivel at, this man earned the Medal of Honor! I agree with Navy LT., write Darryl Issa as well as our two illustrious Senators and whoever your Representative is. Demand they get involved in order to reverse this decision.

Semper Fi Shipmate, Rest in Peace. All of us honor your devotion and patriotism.
CPO USN-Retired
Vietnam Veteran

esteban wrote on Sep 18, 2008 8:12 AM:Unbelieveable. How can this committee sleep at night. Maybe Chris was on the panel.

johnny wrote on Sep 18, 2008 8:25 AM:Contact your congressman and ask him or her bestow the CMH. This is unfair.

NatalieCivilian wrote on Sep 18, 2008 8:41 AM:I am very PROUD OF ALL THE MEN AND WOMEN THAT SERVICE THIS GREAT COUNTRY OF OURS. I too have a brother in the military, I fear for his life and everyone else's but this is something that they all are PROUD OF SERVICEING. They all desire MOH, and this young man's family should receive it, its the least this country can do for this fallen marine. THANK YOU FOR MY FREEDOM!

Pete wrote on Sep 18, 2008 8:42 AM:Apparently, the Commander in Chief could have stepped in,(but Bush stepped out as he did in the war in Vietnam), and shown leadership by giving this brave Marine his due. Sgt. Peralta gave his adopted country is all, doesn't he deserve this country's very best?!

Ist SGT USMC Ret wrote on Sep 18, 2008 8:46 AM:I AM BOTH SHOCKED, ANGERED AND VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT SGT. PERALTA DID NOT RECEIVED THE MEDAL OF HONOR. I HAVE SEEN HEROIC ACTIONS IN COMBAT BEFORE. NOTHING IS GREATER THAT GIVING YOUR LIFE FOR YOUR FELLOW MARINES, IM NOT SAYING THE NAVY CROSS IS A WORTHLESS AWARD, HE DESERVES THE MEDAL OF HONOR AWARD WITH NO QUESTIONS. THE BUREAUCRATS NEED TO READ THE HISTORY OF THIS AWARD AND SEE HOW MANY OTHER MARINES/SAILORS RECEIVED THE AWARD FOR THE SAME HEROIC ACTIONS. THIS IS A SHAME TO OUR CORPS/SAIOLOR AND OTHER MILITARY SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER AND MY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.

SEMPER FI

Mark A wrote on Sep 18, 2008 8:53 AM:After serving 22 years in the military I am ashamed of this. His actions warrant the Medal Of Honor by the regulation. Friendly fire in the area or not he saved the lives of others by taking his own life. There is nothing greater one can give than ones own life.

Chief, this fine young man was not a draft dodger and just think without us you would be jailed for your comment. Thanks to all those who have served and given their lives for our freedom. It is regardless what you think about Bush and the rest. This man obviously gave more than you could ever.

Tracy wrote on Sep 18, 2008 9:15 AM:Things like this just make me ill. They should be ashamed at not giving him the medal he deserves. Why does the B.S. ALWAYS win?

John from Vista wrote on Sep 18, 2008 9:50 AM:I read the citation for Paralta and felt he "qualified" for the MOH. I don;t know the actual criterion used in awarding this, but by comparison,
the following is directly from the MOH citation for MA2 Michael A. Monsoor, USN awarded posthumously April 8, 2008:
"WHILE THE SEALS VIGILANTLY WATCHED FOR ENEMY ACTIVITY, AN INSURGENT THREW A HAND GRENADE FROM AN UNSEEN LOCATION, WHICH BOUNCED OFF PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR’S CHEST AND LANDED IN FRONT OF HIM. ALTHOUGH ONLY HE COULD HAVE ESCAPED THE BLAST, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR CHOSE INSTEAD TO PROTECT HIS TEAMMATES. INSTANTLY AND WITHOUT REGARD FOR HIS OWN SAFETY, HE THREW HIMSELF ONTO THE GRENADE TO ABSORB THE FORCE OF THE EXPLOSION WITH HIS BODY, SAVING THE LIVES OF HIS TWO TEAMMATES."

RG wrote on Sep 18, 2008 11:14 AM:I agree with MOST of the contributors here. The misinformed person that said his wife thought he deserved more--he was not married and had no kids--read the article fully before you comment. ... I'd like to see what kind of human being would have the presence of thought to commit the ultimate sacrifice after being shot ... ?! Who lives long enough to be able to think at all with a wound like that?
The DOD is just plain wrong. The statement they made is it had nothing to do with the friendly fire and if that's so, maybe it's because they don't want someone of an immigrant status to be recognized. Especially a Mexican immigrant from Tijuana. Funny how no one's mentioned that yet. I'm actually happy the family hasnt played the race card, though it appears they might have a cause to do so.
If his actions were of the greatest merit that the most powerful man in the world felt them worthy of mentioning, doesnt sound like the recognition should be a 2nd place/runner-up award. Insulting the family further by making them feel as though his sacrifice was only 2nd rate is deplorable. I'm hoping they continue the fight to get him properly recognized and dont have to resort to playing the race card.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Sep 18, 2008 11:47 AM:Why is anyone surprised when it comes to the DOD, Dept. of Navy, or Marine Corps and their treatment of their own troops, OUR troops? I remember Sgt. Peralta. I remember his sister saying that people would forget him. I have not forgotten. Apparently the American people have not forgotten. Why am I not surprised? From the DOD to General Natonski (Commander at Pendleton over two years ago when the P8 were unjustly imprisoned) to every General who has followed in his footsteps throughout the persecution of Marines who fought in Hamdania, Haditha, and....Fallujah; why should any of these leaders (?) break their track record now and award a well deserved MOH to a brave Marine who valiantly, willingly, gave his life for his fellow Marines? It might interfere with their never-ending, unjust persecution of "any" Marine who "ever" fought in Fallujah. I'm not at all surprised.

Lloyd wrote on Sep 18, 2008 1:53 PM:I agree with "be careful folks". While this man is no less of a hero I also believe in the process. I know that the committee of the DOD that presents the CMOH throughly researchs the incident and people. To hand out THE HIGHEST medal of the country without carefully investigating an incident would soil that very medal. It is not for the investigation to prove that someone does not deserve the medal, but for them to prove that that person does. I would doubt that they would not award the medal if the totallity of the circumstances suggested that it should.
He is still a hero in my mind and heart though.

Mexicat wrote on Sep 18, 2008 2:02 PM:During the republican convention, they ran a film of a SEAL team member, I think he was a SEAL. Anyway, he jumped on a live gernade and received the Medal Of Honor. I think he did something else but still, he sacrificed his himself to save his buddies. Does this mean that only officers and special forces get preferred treament and the enlisted get over looked?

WW1 Vet. wrote on Sep 18, 2008 3:14 PM:Back in my day we didn't even want any shiny medals or fancy ribbons. We were more interested in getting home before those Hun bastards or that nasty flu killed us. I remember the battle in Belleau Woods...the germans were lobbing grenades and trench mortars at us. My best friend Clem dove on a grenade that landed near Zeke and me but it was a dud. I was going to put him in for a medal but he told me not to bother as no good deed goes unpunished. Clem got the influenza a couple of months later and died. I still miss him....why god why? Why take Clem? Why not take me? Sometimes late at night in the nursing home, I still hear those shells exploding.

Massachusetts Democrat wrote on Sep 18, 2008 3:32 PM:Secy. Winter has distinguished himself yet again.

Perhaps if his legion of NCIS storm troopers had not otherwise been occupied a different conclusion about Sgt. Peralta's case would have been reached.

One would assume our Navy secretary is a man of wisdom, honor, courage and competence. Unfortunately we're stuck with this moron.

The good news? January 20th is coming and the new president will clean house.

Perhaps Secy. Winter can share a cab with SEC Chairman Cox.

California Republican wrote on Sep 18, 2008 3:49 PM:To Massachusetts Democrat: Agreed!

Garry wrote on Sep 18, 2008 4:06 PM:This Hero, Sgt.Peralta not only saved the life of my son but the other Marines in the room. The recounts of action(bravery )taken by Peralta that instant truly deserve the MOH.

a tragedy wrote on Sep 18, 2008 4:32 PM:What a tragedy this man and 4,000 other soldiers have had to die for nothing.

tee wrote on Sep 18, 2008 6:10 PM:Another example of "WHITE AMERICA" doing what it wants to do! If he was white, would it had been an issue? Or is it he doesnt want his mother to get 1000 bucks a month for the rest of her life? He did his job! Funny how no one in the white house would pull a live grenade towards them! Why are repulicans worried about a 1000 bucks a month...when there pet bill in food alone is more than that a week! GIVE HIS MOTHER THE DAMN MONEY!

Patricia wrote on Sep 18, 2008 6:41 PM:The British did this recently to one of their soldiers, who threw himself on a Taliban booby-trap. He threw himself 'backwards' onto the live grenade to save his mates and his backpack and armor absorbed the blast. He walked away with minor scratches. He didn't get their highest award, the Victorian Cross, either. The British bureaucrats somehow reasoned that his valor did not occur while facing the enemy. And then gave him the next level award, the George Cross, which is the highest civil decoration, for brave actions undertaken not in the face of the enemy. As if a Taliban booby-trap is not from the enemy. I posted this just to show that stupid bureaucrats are in every government.

I feel sorry for his mother because this has been going on for 4 years now. I honestly believe that waiting for him to be honored has kept her and her family from getting closure. The expected honor would have been bitter sweet at best but it would have allowed the family to accept the honor while formally acknowledging and post-humously awarding her son's sacrifice. The family could then move on. The controversy has taken that closure route away from them. I know that if it were my brother and I had been waiting 4 years for the military to honor him, I would be crushed. It's no diss to the Navy Cross to point out that the behavour was Medal of Honor worthy and to be disappointed by the let down. Make no mistake, what Sgt. Peralta did was Medal of Honor worthy. Yes, I realize that he is gone and unable to care about awards but the honor should have been to his family and to his line of service, the Marines and it has been denied.

Also, the public down-grade of the expected award calls into question the integrity of the witnesses and the original report of the incident. I'm not questioning their integrity but certainly the DoD is. Either he pulled the grenade under his body or he didn't. If he was too incapicitated by a wound to the head, how did he pull the grenade underneath his body? The Navy citation says that is what he did, which is the opposite of what the DoD experts say, which is that he was too incapicitated to have made that move. The fact is that he was on top of the grenade when it exploded and it could not have gotten under him unless he pulled it under him. His mates didn't put it there. He was already on the ground from his prior wounds. It does not make sense.

The Secretary of Defense seriously botched this decision. Big time. The sad part of this is that if this decision is overturned, and the CMH is awarded to Sgt. Peralta by a subsequent administration, then the award will always leave lingering doubts and questions to some.

His sacrifice and bravery was stunning. I hope his family finds closure.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Sep 18, 2008 7:07 PM:Tee forgot to include the Democrats in his or her comments. Don't forget your bloody Congress, Tee.

Active Duty Command Master Chief wrote on Sep 18, 2008 8:23 PM:To CPO USN Ret.

Chief, it pains me to do this, but you have it coming, shipmate!

Chief Petty Officers are members of a proud and honorable fraternity. When one of our brothers acts in a manner we feel unappropriate, we voice our displeasure and concern, behind closed doors, man to man.

You have no right to tell a fellow CPO he doesn't deserve the honor of calling himself chief because his politcal views are not in liking with yours.

In our Navy, Chiefs don't wear Republican Red or Democrat Blue, we all wear Khaki.

Square yourself away shipmate!

Dawn wrote on Sep 18, 2008 9:27 PM:I think everyone should contact the Defense Department and give them a piece of your minds. I already did.

Go to their website & leave a comment for Robert Gates. Let him know that he is hurting the moral of the country and he is dishonoring a true American Hero. Regardless if he was already shot and possibly dying, he died not thinking of himself. He died thinking of others -trying to save the lives of his fellow Marines. This should count for something more than a second rate "prize". He deserves the Medal of Honor!

www.defenselink.mil/faq/questions.aspx

Mjb wrote on Sep 18, 2008 10:03 PM:I don't care what medal they give him--he's a warrior-hero to me. It's too bad the grenade took him. We need guys like him on the planet.

Thank you servicemen and women.

freddy wrote on Sep 18, 2008 10:29 PM:as a former marine sgt and a repub,
I am ashamed at our commander in chief
for this act of not doing the right thing. what a shame. to the family:

salute and semper fi

steve wrote on Sep 19, 2008 12:26 AM:There's more to this than meets the eye. The MOH is worth 6oo dollars a month to the family, so little wonder they're howling and have an attorney mouthing the family's case. Another point to consider is that the committee considering the award was not convinced the heroic act occurred as reported, and probably concluded there were sufficient inconsistancies in the story as reported to suggest the Marine was, in fact, dead from wounds when he fell on the grenade. Give it a rest, folks, even the Geiko gecko smells a rat here.

James wrote on Sep 19, 2008 3:18 AM:I am also a former Marine. While the MOH is a great honor and from everything I can tell, Sgt. Peralta greatly deserves it, I have always been proud of serving in the unrecognized service. Let the other services have their shiny badges. Marines serve and sacrifice for principle and for honor. Sgt. Peralta's selfless act will not be forgotten in the minds of his fellow Marines, nor in the honor roll of God.

Semper Fi, buddy. Few have what it takes. You did.

Chris in Iraq wrote on Sep 19, 2008 3:22 AM:I'm saddened by this. You see Bronze Stars handed out like candy to people who are doing staff work... yet when someone pays the ultimate sacrifice to save others, or goes above and beyond in such a way as to put themselves at risk for their mission, comrades, country, etc., they are denied the ultimate honor the nation can bestow?
To those who say this is a waste: you aren't here. I've seen so much REAL change since the surge. There is REAL hope here now, and though the battle is long and uphill, that doesn't make the sacrifices in vain. Sadly, too many buy into leftist media propaganda, and are all too happy to swallow fake feel-good promises of "hope" and "change" from Obama, who would lead our country to true disaster... no doubt blaming Bush the whole way.

Chief Sonar Tech ret wrote on Sep 19, 2008 5:30 AM:I have to agree with all the Marines, and others, who have commented. I believe that the reasoning, again the term bureaucrats comes up, of those safely ensconced in D.C. is that there is a limit on the number of each medal which can be awarded. If that limit is reached, well, there is no way their bureaucratic rules can be abridged, regardless of the circumstances. Some of them wear, or have worn, the uniform, but have been playing politics for so long that they have forgotten what honor, valor, and sacrifice truly means anymore.
To Sgt. Peralta's family, his fellow Marines, and all our brethren who wear or have worn the uniform, regardless of which service, Semper Fi! We salute you, Brother.

david wrote on Sep 19, 2008 5:38 AM:what can you exspect when our military leaders are politicans rather than dedicated soliders etc .. I suggest that the leaders involved in this decision be put on patrol in iraq with a willow switch....I am sure that god will reward him ...no man can do more than sacrifice his life for another..i pray thay god will look out for our servicemen ... as our elected politicans and military leaders are more interested in writing books and becoming t.v. commentators.....

ray wrote on Sep 19, 2008 6:33 AM:Sgt. Peralta was a way better man than me. If I was in that position I would have thrown the grenade at the SOB that shot me, but he chose the selfless act of taking the blast to save his fellow marines. A true hero worthy of the MOH. God bless him and his family.

bill wrote on Sep 19, 2008 7:06 AM:this is typical of our federal government. this is one of the act in the bible that God so honors that one lay down their life for a friend. the congressional medal of honor for this hero. God help us if men and women of integrity such as this wonderful marine are treated so disgracefully.

savage24 wrote on Sep 19, 2008 7:27 AM:As an Ex-marine I feel this man deserves the Medal of Honor. If they
will not award the medal for bravery then , maybe they will give it to Rep Murtha, for he has been single handedly tring to destroy the U.S. Marine Corps for years.

Journo wrote on Sep 19, 2008 7:28 AM:WWI vet in the nursing home, recalling the battle of Belleau Woods and your buddy Clem . . . please identify yourself or how you can be reached. To the knowledge of those of us who have kept track of World War I veterans, the last living American vet is 107-year-old Frank Buckles, who recently went to Washington to meet the President and to ask, as nicely as possible, why is there no monument on the Mall to World War I vets (other than a tree-shrouded memorial to WWI vets from the District of Columbia). If you are as you say you are, a legitimate surviving combat vet of WWI, I'd like to get you in touch with people dealing with WWI. If you're not a legitimate WWI vet, you dishonor Frank and those who went before him.

Journo wrote on Sep 19, 2008 7:29 AM:Garry, whose son Peralta saved . . . are you willing to talk publicly? If so, let's find a way to get you in front of a larger audience. If willing, respond here, please.

Chas777 wrote on Sep 19, 2008 8:24 AM:I'm not a fan of this war; however, our troops are doing what needs to be done for our safety and freedom. This heroic act deserves the Medal of Honor. This selfless sacrifice goes beyond his fellow Marines. It reaches all the way back home to everyone of us. May God bless his family as they deal with this BS. As states earlier, go to this link and express your outrage. Just remember to express your outrage with decency, this way hey will take us seriously.

hrisoulas wrote on Sep 19, 2008 8:31 AM:to Pete, It is called the CONGRESSIONAL MOH, The President can and did approve of a CMH for this Marine, but he cannot award it, it is an act of Congress.

To'A Tragedy" and TAT, from ALL us Kurds, GO STUFF YOURSELF, Kurdistan appreciates and honors the fallen US military, and have chosen to make the best of thier gift of sacrifice, they saved us from genocide. If you think that alone is 'for nothing' then I call you out for the accomplice to slaughter that you are.
Patricia, spot on. the assinine bueurcrat is a universal disease. It was infact the DOD not the USN that stopped the citation of the CMH.

DRS wrote on Sep 19, 2008 9:30 AM:While I am anti illegal immigration and a bit xenophobic, the man in question was undoubtedly a true American.

Further, his selfless sacrifice is an example of heroism worthy of our Nation's highest honor.

Personally, I'd prefer one citizen of such character over ten thousand citizens without.

God Bless him and his family.

DRS

Walter wrote on Sep 19, 2008 11:29 AM:He is honored in my thoughts and prayers, if not by the country for whom he gave his all.

Jay wrote on Sep 19, 2008 3:48 PM:Unbelievable. This guy lays down his own life for fellow marines, and he is not worthy of a Medal of Honor? If he isn't, who is?

Proud San Diego wrote on Sep 19, 2008 7:20 PM:I will NEVER forget what he did, and neither will God and the families of those whose lives he saved.

God Bless you Mr. & Mrs. Peralta for bringing such a brave, courageous and honorable young man into this world. This young man will surely be missed.

Isabel wrote on Sep 19, 2008 8:18 PM:It makes me sick to my stomach that this man, who exhibited such a selfless sacrifice in absolute honor and courage is not given the highest award this country can bestow. I sincerely hope minds are changed before the ceremony. And if they are not, I hope that his mother is comforted by the comments here which are heartfelt and let her know that we the people DO honor her son in the highest way. May God bless you and give you the assurance that not only is your son in heaven, he has been given a place of honor by God Himself.

Reeva wrote on Sep 19, 2008 8:29 PM:“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:13

The Creator of the universe has determined the worth of this soldiers sacrifice, so the opinion of mere mortals in this case rings hollow.

FF wrote on Sep 20, 2008 11:27 AM:Just think if he was an officer he would have received the medal of honor with no questions asked. Eveyone, write your congressmen and tell them what you think of them. This is not Bush stopping the medal but the Navy.

to Journo wrote on Sep 20, 2008 7:55 PM:Do you really think someone over 100 is pounding the keyboard and blogging? Why don't you identify yourself so we can all have a good laugh...

to hrisoulas wrote on Sep 20, 2008 8:15 PM:If you think Americans are willing to die for Kurds you're living a fantasy my friend. When Saddam was gassing the Kurds the US said or did NOTHING because Iraq was our ally during their war with the Iranians. Only when Bush needed more 'reasons' to justify our invasion and occupation of Iraq did it become a major issue.

Roberto1 wrote on Sep 20, 2008 9:23 PM:How digusting....This man is American hero. We send them to war and want have trials when they kill and now we deny them their rightful honour. Now we sink to a new low....yes I said we. And to all the traitorus bloggers, yes he died for you to.

Al wrote on Sep 21, 2008 5:15 AM:There have been many US Marines that have offered their strong opinions on the subject of Sgt. Rafael Peralta not being awarded the MOH. I served as a Marine and am proud I did. My comment is short. Sgt. Peralta met the criteria for the medal. Friendly fire is irrelevant as the act was taking that grenade and smothering it with his own body, thereby saving others Marines lives by giving up his own. The ultimate sacrifice was made. Usually for the award of the MOH there needs to be two witnesses. From my understanding there were 5 Marines who witnessed what happened in that room, not to mention the reporter who gave a first hand account of it as an eye witness. The Marine Corps review board made a serious mistake. It must be rectified. It is that simple really. RIP Sgt. Peralta..a Great Marine!

to Roberto wrote on Sep 21, 2008 11:19 AM:Bloggers aren't traitors - the only traitors are the Bush administration for lying to the American people, rushing into war, and putting our troops in harms way with inadequate protection.