Lawmakers ask Obama to review Peralta case

[CommunityEditor]

OCEANSIDE, Calif. — Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter will award the Navy Cross medal — the nation’s second-highest combat award for valor in combat — to Sgt. Rafael Peralta, who pulled an enemy grenade to his body before it exploded, the Marine Corps announced Wednesday.

Peralta, 25, died Nov. 15, 2004, while he and members of Alpha Company of 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, were in the second week of fighting in the Battle of Fallujah when he barged into a house with a rifle squad. They immediately came under fire from insurgents inside the house.

“Peralta was caught in a deadly crossfire between insurgents and his Marines, leaving him mortally wounded,” officials said in an announcement released by I Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton. “After the initial exchange of gunfire, the insurgents broke contact, throwing a fragmentation grenade as they fled the building.” The grenade stopped near Peralta’s head, they said, and “without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own safety, Peralta reached out and pulled the grenade to his body, absorbing the brunt of the blast and shielding fellow Marines only feet away. Peralta succumbed to his wounds.”

Officials did not say when the Navy Cross would be presented to Peralta’s family. In making the announcement, they acknowledged that the fatal blow may have come from another Marine’s weapon.

“Following multiple and exhaustive reviews, the evidence supports the finding that Peralta was likely hit by ‘friendly fire,’” officials said in the statement. “This finding has no bearing on the decision to award the Navy Cross medal.”

Winter “determined that the Marine’s leadership and courageous actions that day and after his initial wounded were worthy” of the medal, they said. Peralta, a native of Mexico who immigrated to the United States, enlisted in 2000 and became a beloved noncommissioned officer who often volunteered to go on combat patrols in Iraq. His name graces several buildings around the Corps. His actions in the final moments of his life, touted in an article penned by a Marine combat correspondent, have been heralded by his fellow Marines, many who have pressed for Peralta to be awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for combat heroism.

“He didn’t hesitate at all. He just reached down and took it,” then-Cpl. Robert Reynolds, who was with Peralta in that Fallujah house, said in a 2006 interview with Marine Corps Times, adding, “He gave three guys for sure a second chance at life.”

Doug Sterner, a Vietnam veteran who runs a comprehensive military combat awards database, HomeofHeroes.com, said Wednesday he was disappointed by the decision and believes Peralta’s actions merited the Medal of Honor. “I cannot see how they could downgrade it like that,” said Sterner, speaking from his home in Pueblo, Colo. “That just leaves a hollow pit in my stomach.”


Article: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2008/09/marine_peralta_navycross_091708/

He gave his life so that others didn't have to. Why does friendly fire matter when the outcome is the same?


Marine Corps via AP
Sgt. Rafael Peralta, 25, died during the Battle of Fallujah in 2004. He will be posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the Marine Corps' second-highest honor for valor.

[Bruce]

USAToday reported that Secretary Gates decided that Peralta was not worthy of the MOH because the shot he took into his head should have killed him instantly and there was no way he could have consciously pulled the grenade under him. Eye witnesses, however, have taken great offense because they saw him do it and think that Gates is calling them liars. Also they say that if the medical experts Gates used say it is impossible, other doctors who have seen the autopsy report say that the bullet in his head may have been slowed by a ricochet and left him conscious just long enough to know what to do. The family is tremendously upset and are talking of refusing to accept the Navy Cross.

If you've read accounts of some of the Navy Cross winners in this war, you would realize that there are living heroes who should have gotten the MOH but were denied, also. Sgt. Major Bradley Kassal, USMC, especially, got rooked by not getting the MOH. Here is his Navy Cross citation:

The President of the United States
Takes Pleasure in Presenting The Navy Cross To

Bradley A. Kasal
First Sergeant, United States Marine Corps

http://www.defenselink.mil/heroes/profiles/kasalB.html

For Services as Set Forth in the Following Citation:

For extraordinary heroism while serving as First Sergeant, Weapons Company, 3d Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 13 November 2004. First Sergeant Kasal was assisting 1st Section, Combined Anti-Armor Platoon as they provided a traveling over watch for 3d Platoon when he heard a large volume of fire erupt to his immediate front, shortly followed by Marines rapidly exiting a structure. When First Sergeant Kasal learned that Marines were pinned down inside the house by an unknown number of enemy personnel, he joined a squad making entry to clear the structure and rescue the Marines inside. He made entry into the first room, immediately encountering and eliminating an enemy insurgent, as he spotted a wounded Marine in the next room. While moving towards the wounded Marine, First Sergeant Kasal and another Marine came under heavy rifle fire from an elevated enemy firing position and were both severely wounded in the legs, immobilizing them. When insurgents threw grenades in an attempt to eliminate the wounded Marines, he rolled on top of his fellow Marine and absorbed the shrapnel with his own body. When First Sergeant Kasal was offered medical attention and extraction, he refused until the other Marines were given medical attention. Although severely wounded himself, he shouted encouragement to his fellow Marines as they continued to clear the structure. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, First Sergeant Kasal reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

[Unregistered]

This really is disgraceful for the Marine Corps to deny Sgt. Peralta's extreme heroism. I served with one of the Marines who was saved by Peralta in that room. From his account they would all have been dead if not for Peralta's actions.

[Unregistered]

If Sgt Peralta's actions are verified by those who were in combat with him at the moment of his death and if such actions are worthy of being postulated for The Medal Of Honor, then his family should accept no less. It is wrong for the Secretary of the Navy to propose a different award, as great an honor the Navy Cross may be. Whereas, many native born Americans will never serve their country, Sgt Peralta, while born in Mexico, was willing to sacrifice and ultimately pay the ultimate price in order to serve this country and protect his fellow Marines. I wonder if his birth origins have anything to do with this turn of events. I hope it is not so.

[Bruce]

This really is disgraceful for the Marine Corps to deny Sgt. Peralta's extreme heroism. I served with one of the Marines who was saved by Peralta in that room. From his account they would all have been dead if not for Peralta's actions.

Don't blame the Corps. They fought SECDEF on this one.

[Unregistered]

Don't blame the Corps. They fought SECDEF on this one.

Thanks, I stand corrected as to who made the ultimate decision. They (Marine Corps investigators) seemed to question the integrity of the Marines witnesses involved from what I heard of the interview/investigation process. One of the primary witnesses has since passed; the right thing may not happen in this case.

[THELADYKT]

This its pretty lame. Dont care if the bullets were friendly fire or not.....If I read the story right, the grenade he jumped on to protect other is what killed him and was from insurgents.....This gent deserved the MOH.

[Unregistered]

I am disgusted at the decision! He has chose the US as his country and paid the highest price. I am sure he was proud of his heritage but he sacrificed for all of us! He sacrificed for my 4 year old grandson who wants to be able to grow up to be a Marine. My son-in-law was a proud Marine. I pray the officers who chose not to give him the Metal of Honor will reconsider. He was living the American dream and gave the most precious thing he had for us to pursue our American dream and the dreams of generations to come. If I was on of the one that chose not to honor this fallen HERO in the way he earned I would not be able to sleep for seeing the disappointment on his face from heaven. But you know he being a good Marine is probably saying that's okay I was just doing my job and being humble. Shame on those who did not do theirs. God knows who you are. I am not proud of the Marine Corp. Officers involved in this right now. You made the WRONG decision!

--
From a PROUD US Citizen,
A white 52 year old Grandmother from Texas

[postmasterlyn]

I Followed This Story From The Beginning As Well As Sgtmaj Kasal Story.
I Was Disappointment When Sgtmaj Was Award The Navy Cross.
Yes,i Know The Navy Cross Is For Heros And Sgtmaj Kasal Is One.i Felt
He Deserved Moh.
In Sgt Peralta Case I Am Just Heart Broken He Deserve His Place Among Heros
Who Hold The Moh
John Usmc1971-73

[Unregistered]

It breaks my heart to no end that this young man gave his life for his fellow Marines and some Ahole in a DC cubicle is going to judge his action based on some freakin medical experts that problably have never seen combat. His fellow Marines gave their statements that should be more than enough.

[red3]

i am writing with regards to sgt. rafael peraltas being awarded the navy cross. i served/fought with rafa in alpha 1/3 1st plt. i believe it is an insult to rafas family, the corps, and the FIVE eyewitnesses, thats right FIVE eyewitnesses in that house, that room, that firefight. i also believe it is a complete failure on behalf of the honorable mr. gates to not have awarded sgt. peralta the medal of honor. based on the recommendations of a handful of experts (not one of which was in that house, that room, that firefight) because these EXPERTS think/believe rafa may have been hit by friendly fire, prior to smothering the hand grenade that saved, who? the five eyewitnesses, not the experts.

i wonder how many other MoH recipients were wounded by either enemy or friendly fire precluding their heroic acts? it is laughable to think that rafas heroic action on november 15, 2004 has been lessened because rafa MAY have initially gone down due to friendly fire prior to his heroic action that day. does who shot who have any bearing on this one simple fact, sergeant rafael peralta smothered the blast of a hand grenade to save the lives of his friends, his fellow marines. a hero none the less!

semper fidelis
echo 5 bravo

[Navy Corpsman]

This is a slap in the face to all, Especially to those of us that are Immigrants! How come a navy seal rates the MOH for something similar. His MOH was approved in record time, but Sgt peralta's family had to wait this long for this. THANK YOU FOR SERVING!

[Unregistered]

If it was not physically possible for this Marine to drag the grenade under his body because he was "instantly dead" from his horrible wound, why then should he get the Navy Cross? He either did or did not consciously perform this heroic act. If he didn't do it - then he should get no valor award but if he did this act then he deserves the MOH - SecDef seems to be speaking out of both sides of his mouth. No MOH because he wasn't able to physically do it - but here is a Navy Cross because he did do it. What a shame for the Marine Corps and the country - give him the MOH. Marine generals - go to bat for this man.

Likewise, when is the government going to award Colonel John Ripley his deserved MOH for his Vietnam action?

[Unregistered]

I feel sad that the heroic acts of Sgt. Peralta should be ignored in such a disgraceful way. As one of the people who posted before mentioned, the testimony Peralta's five fellow marines was more than sufficient to support granting the MOH. The fact that these testimonies have been ignored is shameful.

It is truly pitiful that instead of listening to these testimonies Mr. Gates has preferred the opinions of a group of "experts". These opinions, far removed from the time and place of Sgt Peralta's heroic action, have prevailed over his feat and the voices of his comrades. This, without doubt, is another example of the way some bureaucratic pen pushers can dictate the way honor is given or not to the heroes who risk limb and life to protect this country.

I hope this injustice is corrected before is too late. I hope Sgt. Peralta is awarded the MOH. I hope his family rests assured then that his memory has been appropriately honored. I hope that the Marine Corps and his leaders will not rest until justice is done to Rafael Peralta.

[Proud Mom]

This was just online a bit ago and thought I'd bring it here. I was reading it and my husband came up behind me and was reading it and went What a crock of Sh#t, that Marine deserves the MOH. Then there was more cussing and politics involved in his statement.

Mother to ask Congress to award son Medal of Honor

Link To Article (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080918/ap_on_re_us/death_by_grenade)

By CHELSEA J. CARTER, AP Military Affairs Writer Thu Sep 18, 7:56 PM ET


CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - The mother of a Marine who witnesses say covered a grenade with his body to save comrades in Iraq plans to appeal to Congress to award her son the nation's highest military honor after learning it was denied by Defense Secretary Robert Gates because of questions about his final act.

Rosa Peralta said Thursday she made the decision after a Marine general told her that her son, Sgt. Rafael Peralta, would be awarded the Navy Cross rather than the Medal of Honor because the nomination was tainted by reports he was accidentally shot by a fellow Marine shortly before an insurgent lobbed the grenade.
"I'm going to see what can be done, because I'm not satisfied with what they want to do now," she said in Spanish.
President Bush singled out the Marine's actions in a 2005 Memorial Day speech, saying Peralta "understood that America faces dangerous enemies, and he knew the sacrifices required to defeat them."
"The president spoke of him. So how is this now possible that they do this," Rosa Peralta said.
She said she was considering rejecting the Navy Cross, the second-highest award for valor in combat that can be awarded to a Marine. Peralta will be the 24th recipient of the Navy Cross for actions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"I still don't know what I'm going to do," she said.
The question about whether to award Peralta the Medal of Honor centers on whether the mortally wounded Marine, who was shot in the head and upper body, could have intentionally reached for the grenade and covered it with his body.
"There was conflicting evidence in the case of Sgt. Peralta as to whether he could have performed his final acts given the nature of his injuries," said Capt. Beci Brenton, spokeswoman for Navy Secretary Donald Winter.
The initial recommendation that he receive the Medal of Honor went through reviews by the Marine Corps, U.S. Central Command, the Department of the Navy and ultimately up to Defense Secretary Gates, Brenton said.
After all the evidence was scrutinized, officials determined that it "did not meet the exact standard necessary to support the Medal of Honor," she said.
But Rosa Peralta said she was led to believe her son would get the Medal of Honor in a November 2007 telephone call from an undersecretary of the Navy, who she says told her the nomination was to be forwarded to the White House.
Defense Department spokesman Bryan Whitman said there was a June 2007 Navy recommendation for the Medal of Honor, but it never went to the White House because Gates didn't approve it.
He said that because there was some contradictory evidence, Gates instead took the extra step of asking five other individuals to review the case — a former commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, a Medal of Honor recipient, a civilian neurosurgeon who is retired from the military and two forensic pathologists who also are military retirees.
The five were given medical reports that had not been available in the initial review. They thoroughly reviewed the case again, including inspecting the evidence and re-enacting the event, Whitman said.
"Each independently recommended to the secretary that the evidence did not support the award of Medal of Honor," he said.
Gates made his decision this month.

A Medal of Honor nomination is typically made by the military, approved by the Department of Defense and conferred by the president. But a nomination can also be made through a special act of Congress and then bestowed by the president on behalf of Congress.
The Medal of Honor comes with about $1,000 a month special pension in addition to other military pensions.
Peralta was shot several times in the face and body during a house-to-house search in Fallujah on Nov. 15, 2004, during some of the fiercest fighting of the war.
According to witness accounts, Peralta lay mortally wounded on the floor of a house and grabbed a grenade lobbed by fleeing insurgents. His body absorbed the blast and he died immediately.
In a rare move, the Marine Corps Thursday released a redacted copy of the Medal of Honor nomination by Lt. Gen. Richard Natonski and an investigative report detailing the "friendly fire" shooting of the sergeant.
The report found sufficient evidence existed to believe that Peralta was probably shot by a fellow Marine and that a gunshot wound to the head and injuries to the head from a grenade caused his death.
The nomination, which relies on witness statements, forensics, bomb fragment analysis and an autopsy, concluded that although Peralta was shot in the head, he made "a conscious, heroic decision to cover the grenade and minimize the effects he knew it would have on the rest of his Marine team."
The nomination details Peralta's actions in the final minutes of his life, with several witnesses recounting how the Marine lay face down and used his arm to pull the grenade to him. It also says a forensic analysis of Peralta's clothing and flak jacket show the grenade was underneath him when it exploded.
Peralta, who was assigned to Hawaii's 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, moved to San Diego from Tijuana as a teenager. He was 25.
___ Associated Press writers Pauline Jelinek in Washington, D.C., and Thomas Watkins in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

[Your_Name_Here]

While the Navy Cross, to be sure, is nothing to sneeze at, I too feel Sgt. Peralta's memory, his fellow Marines who were alongside him and his loved ones got a bit of the shaft.

Hopefully it's not too much of an apples/oranges comparison here--but when you think about it, CPL Pat Tillman got a Silver Star--for getting fragged by his fellow Rangers, and to my knowledge, not much else, whereas Sgt Peralta found it within himself one last time, to do the selfless thing for his fellow Marines--something I have read he ALWAYS did.

[Unregistered]

Medal of Honor….So Secretary Gates decides to let 5 so called experts decide that Sgt R. Paralta may not have acted “on purpose” but rather out of reflex. Let me see if I have this about right…Sgt Paralta was awarded the Navy Cross with a citation that clearly notes that he acted “intentionally” in his act of heroism to save others. So if it was intentional enough for the Navy Cross then why was it not intentional enough for the Medal of Honor? Intelectual Honesty? Cop Out? Stupidity? You decide as I already have….and two more things, does his death mean the Defense Dept is now going to raise by one the number of friendly fire deaths in Iraq? I think not. And just how did the so called experts determine the sequence of death fragments between friendly fire fragments and grenade fragments..what a sad day for the Marine Corp and Marines everywhere…..(TAPS)

[red3]

i served with rafa in fallujah, we were in the same platoon. i was across the street when he was killed. has anyone thought that maybe the bullet fragment in his head was put there after his death. after all it was a firefight inside a house up and down a hallway, bullets were flying every where. 2d squad didnt pull out of that house until it caught on fire. they were still getting some after rafa was k.i.a.

gates has lost his mind, rosa peralta should tell gates to shove the navy cross up his ass.

echo 5 bravo

[Unregistered]

I don't get it. Sec Gates and his board ruled against giving Peralta the MOH because they decided he couldn't have pulled the grenade under his body because of his previous injury to his head. So my question is this: He either did, or did not pull the grenade under his body. If he did, it's worthy of the MOH, if he didn't, he is still a hero for his service, but not worthy of a medal for herorism for being shot, like many others. So why are they still awarding him the Navy Cross??? It is black or white; he either did it, and deserves the MOH or he didn't and deserves only our respect and admiration for his service. Where does the Navy Cross come in? I personally believe the 5 eye-witnesses, and think he should have been awarded the MOH. Bad call by the higher-ups...

[Just a guy from NYC]

Oh man, thanks for posting that citation! That's from one of the greatest battles ever fought by the Marine Corps in Vietnam! Cpl. Thompson was part of that recon platoon headed by the great Staff Sgt. Jimmie Howard! Their exploits were the stuff of Marine lore and legend! An 18-man platoon: four Navy Crosses, thirteen Silver Stars and for their leader, the Medal of Honor! Perhaps the most decorated small unit in U.S. military history! Back in the late sixties, Reader's Digest published an account of that famous battle, entitled "Hill 488: A Fight to Remember."

[CommunityEditor]

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — The mother of a Marine who witnesses say covered a grenade with his body to save comrades in Iraq plans to appeal to Congress to award her son the nation’s highest military honor after learning it was denied by Defense Secretary Robert Gates because of questions about his final act.

Rosa Peralta said Thursday she made the decision after a Marine general told her that her son, Sgt. Rafael Peralta, would be awarded the Navy Cross rather than the Medal of Honor because the nomination was tainted by reports he was accidentally shot by a fellow Marine shortly before an insurgent lobbed the grenade.

“I’m going to see what can be done, because I’m not satisfied with what they want to do now,” she said in Spanish.

President Bush singled out the Marine’s actions in a 2005 Memorial Day speech, saying Peralta “understood that America faces dangerous enemies, and he knew the sacrifices required to defeat them.”

“The president spoke of him. So how is this now possible that they do this,” Rosa Peralta said.

She said she was considering rejecting the Navy Cross, the second-highest award for valor in combat that can be awarded to a Marine. Peralta will be the 24th recipient of the Navy Cross for actions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I still don’t know what I’m going to do,” she said.

The question about whether to award Peralta the Medal of Honor centers on whether the mortally wounded Marine, who was shot in the head and upper body, could have intentionally reached for the grenade and covered it with his body.

“There was conflicting evidence in the case of Sgt. Peralta as to whether he could have performed his final acts given the nature of his injuries,” said Capt. Beci Brenton, spokeswoman for Navy Secretary Donald Winter.

The initial recommendation that he receive the Medal of Honor went through reviews by the Marine Corps, U.S. Central Command, the Department of the Navy and ultimately up to Defense Secretary Gates, Brenton said.

After all the evidence was scrutinized, officials determined that it “did not meet the exact standard necessary to support the Medal of Honor,” she said.

But Rosa Peralta said she was led to believe her son would get the Medal of Honor in a November 2007 telephone call from an undersecretary of the Navy, who she says told her the nomination was to be forwarded to the White House.

Defense Department spokesman Bryan Whitman said there was a June 2007 Navy recommendation for the Medal of Honor, but it never went to the White House because Gates didn’t approve it.

He said that because there was some contradictory evidence, Gates instead took the extra step of asking five other individuals to review the case — a former commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, a Medal of Honor recipient, a civilian neurosurgeon who is retired from the military and two forensic pathologists who also are military retirees.

The five were given medical reports that had not been available in the initial review. They thoroughly reviewed the case again, including inspecting the evidence and re-enacting the event, Whitman said.

“Each independently recommended to the secretary that the evidence did not support the award of Medal of Honor,” he said.

Gates made his decision this month.

A Medal of Honor nomination is typically made by the military, approved by the Department of Defense and conferred by the president. But a nomination can also be made through a special act of Congress and then bestowed by the president on behalf of Congress.

The Medal of Honor comes with about $1,000 a month special pension in addition to other military pensions.

Peralta was shot several times in the face and body during a house-to-house search in Fallujah on Nov. 15, 2004, during some of the fiercest fighting of the war.

According to witness accounts, Peralta lay mortally wounded on the floor of a house and grabbed a grenade lobbed by fleeing insurgents. His body absorbed the blast and he died immediately.

In a rare move, the Marine Corps Thursday released a redacted copy of the Medal of Honor nomination by Lt. Gen. Richard Natonski and an investigative report detailing the “friendly fire” shooting of the sergeant.

The report found sufficient evidence existed to believe that Peralta was probably shot by a fellow Marine and that a gunshot wound to the head and injuries to the head from a grenade caused his death.

The nomination, which relies on witness statements, forensics, bomb fragment analysis and an autopsy, concluded that although Peralta was shot in the head, he made “a conscious, heroic decision to cover the grenade and minimize the effects he knew it would have on the rest of his Marine team.”

The nomination details Peralta’s actions in the final minutes of his life, with several witnesses recounting how the Marine lay face down and used his arm to pull the grenade to him. It also says a forensic analysis of Peralta’s clothing and flak jacket show the grenade was underneath him when it exploded.

Peralta, who was assigned to Hawaii’s 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, moved to San Diego from Tijuana as a teenager. He was 25.


Article: http://www.militarytimes.com/news/2008/09/ap_peraltamom_medal_091808w/

[CommunityEditor]

OCEANSIDE, Calif. — Members of California’s congressional delegation on Friday implored President Bush to review the Pentagon’s decision not to posthumously award the coveted Medal of Honor to a Marine who absorbed the blast of an enemy grenade to protect other Marines in Iraq.

Sgt. Rafael Peralta of San Diego died from his wounds as he and his infantry rifle platoon battled insurgents inside a Fallujah house Nov. 15, 2004.

Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., circulated the letter that garnered the support of seven other congressional members: Democratic Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, Rep. Brian Bilbray, R-Calif., Rep. Bob Filner, D-Calif., Rep. Susan Davis, D-Calif., Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., and Rep. Joe Baca, D-Calif.

“We’ve got great bipartisan representation in this letter,” said Hunter’s spokesman, Joe Kasper. “I really think it’s going to make a strong statement to the White House to at least give the medal some consideration.”

Discussion: If Peralta’s actions don’t rate a Medal of Honor, what does?
The congressional members reacted with “extreme disappointment” to the decision, made by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, to reject Peralta’s nomination for the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for combat valor. Navy Secretary Donald Winter endorsed the nomination, which had garnered strong support from the Marine Corps and U.S. Central Command, and forwarded it to the Defense Department last year. On Wednesday, Winter announced he will award the Navy Cross, the nation’s second-highest award and the top combat award a service secretary can bestow, posthumously to Peralta, 25.

Pentagon officials did not provide specific reasons for the rejection, which came after recommendations from unnamed medical experts. But Peralta’s family and others familiar with the investigations say a contentious issue was whether Peralta, who had just suffered a gunshot wound to the head, was conscious enough to intentionally grab the grenade to save the others.

In the letter, Hunter and the other lawmakers wrote that the Pentagon’s own review “could not confirm whether Sergeant Peralta’s actions were deliberate, despite the fact that several eyewitness accounts verify that he knowingly picked up the grenade and absorbed the full explosion with his body.”

They also noted that another combat veteran, Marine Cpl. Jason Dunham, performed similar acts as Peralta did before he died. They asked Bush that “unless a strong distinction is drawn” between the two, Peralta should receive the Medal of Honor posthumously.


Article: http://www.militarytimes.com/forum/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=79

[Unregistered]

Just one of many back then....

Almost a decade ago, I came across a story of the remarkable heroism of a Navy chaplin named Vincent Capodanno who received a Medal of Honor, posthumously, for extreme heroism and valor in Vietnam. He was probably the most beloved of all the Navy chaplins that served the USMC. Years later, I found out he was buried in Staten Island, NY at St. Peter's cemetary. Since I live in New York City, I went down to Fort Wadsworth to visit the military chapel and memorial which bears his name. Been there a few times; its's so beautiful and tranquil. A few years ago, I went down to attend the memorial mass commerating the anniversary of his passing. Unfortunately, I was late but some folks were still around and I got to meet and greet Mr. James Capodanno, the older brother and told him how much I appreciated what Fr. Capodanno had done. Last year, was the 40th annivesary, Sept. 4, 2007. I visited his gravesite for the first time (Fr. Capodanno is buried in the family plot along with his parents). A few days later on a Sunday, the 40th anniversary memorial was celebrated and fortunately, I was there. I plan to post pics on a site that I am currently working on.

[Proud Mom]

Thank you for keeping things in perspective.

For those that are interested though. There is an online petition you can sign if you think this Marine should receive the MOH.

http://www.petitiononline.com/rp2008/petition.html (http://www.petitiononline.com/rp2008/petition.html)

[Unregistered]

Petition? You got to be joking! Never happen with a petition, you're wasting your time! Letters, emails, or snail mail to your Congressional representatives.


Sometimes it's best to read and undestand the process how the MOH is approved before making comments.

[Unregistered]

here it is

Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients

Recommendation Process

Receiving the Medal of Honor is the highest honor bestowed by the American Military and personally presented by the President of the United States. Because of the need for accuracy the recommendation process can take in excess of 18 months with intense scrutiny every step of the way. The following charts demonstrate this process.

The following organizations and individuals play key roles in the Army Medal of Honor recommendation process:
CHAIN OF COMMAND
Submits award recommendation that meets the two year submission time limit to Department of the Army Personnel Command
MEMBER OF CONGRESS
Submits award recommendation that is outside the two year limit for submission to Department of the Army Personnel Command or the Secretary of the Army who forwards request to Personnel Command.
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY PERSONNEL COMMAND
Army Decoration Board - Merit Review, can disprove based on criteria (Cdr, HRC can overrule)
Senior Army Decorations Board - Recommends approval, disapproval, or downgrade.
MANPOWER AND RESERVE AFFAIRS
Concurs or nonconcurs with Board recommendation
CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE ARMY
Concurs or nonconcurs with Board recommendation
SECRETARY OF THE ARMY
Recommends approval or can disapprove. Also forwards packet to Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff for comment.
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
Recommends approval or can disapprove.
PRESIDENT
Approves or disapproves.

[Unregistered]

Yes, I know he was a Marine

[Proud Mom]

Petition? You got to be joking! Never happen with a petition, you're wasting your time! Letters, emails, or snail mail to your Congressional representatives.


Sometimes it's best to read and undestand the process how the MOH is approved before making comments.

That's what you guys are for. Military Education. And some of the Marines I know have already signed the petition, that's how I heard of it.

But, thank you for showing the Chain of Command so to speak on how the MOH is decided on. It was interesting to read.

[THE SHADOW]

Gates strikes me as a pretty straight shooter! I would think if this young man's actions met the criteria he would have approved it.

Just think there is more to this story than what has been placed in these forums.

[hawk71049]

.

Oh man, thanks for posting that citation! That's from one of the greatest battles ever fought by the Marine Corps in Vietnam! Cpl. Thompson was part of that recon platoon headed by the great Staff Sgt. Jimmie Howard! Their exploits were the stuff of Marine lore and legend! An 18-man platoon: four Navy Crosses, thirteen Silver Stars and for their leader, the Medal of Honor! Perhaps the most decorated small unit in U.S. military history! Back in the late sixties, Reader's Digest published an account of that famous battle, entitled "Hill 488: A Fight to Remember."

FYI

Medal Of Honor Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life above and beyond the call of duty. G/Sgt. Howard and his 18-man platoon were occupying an observation post deep within enemy-controlled territory. Shortly after midnight a Viet Cong force of estimated battalion size approached the Marines' position and launched a vicious attack with small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire. Reacting swiftly and fearlessly in the face of the overwhelming odds, G/Sgt. Howard skillfully organized his small but determined force into a tight perimeter defense and calmly moved from position to position to direct his men's fire. Throughout the night, during assault after assault, his courageous example and firm leadership inspired and motivated his men to withstand the unrelenting fury of the hostile fire in the seemingly hopeless situation. He constantly shouted encouragement to his men and exhibited imagination and resourcefulness in directing their return fire. When fragments of an exploding enemy grenade wounded him severely and prevented him from moving his legs, he distributed his ammunition to the remaining members of his platoon and proceeded to maintain radio communications and direct air strikes on the enemy with uncanny accuracy. At dawn, despite the fact that 5 men were killed and all but 1 wounded, his beleaguered platoon was still in command of its position. When evacuation helicopters approached his position, G/Sgt. Howard warned them away and called for additional air strikes and directed devastating small-arms fire and air strikes against enemy automatic weapons positions in order to make the landing zone as secure as possible. Through his extraordinary courage and resolute fighting spirit, G/Sgt. Howard was largely responsible for preventing the loss of his entire platoon. His valiant leadership and courageous fighting spirit served to inspire the men of his platoon to heroic endeavor in the face of overwhelming odds, and reflect the highest credit upon G/Sgt. Howard, the Marine Corps, and the U.S. Naval Service.

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A Note from The Virtual Wall

The battle on 15/16 June 1966 on Hill 488 (Nui Vu) involved a full battalion of North Vietnamese Army regulars assaulting 18 men of the 1st Platoon, C Company, 1st Recon Battalion, led by Staff Sergeant Jimmie Earl Howard. The Recon Marines had established an observation post atop Nui Vu in order to identify and prosecute by remote fire VC/NVA forces operating in the mountains west of Chu Lai.
The operation was sufficiently effective to get the NVA commander's attention and sufficiently dangerous for him to commit a fresh battalion to eradicate the Marines. They failed.

The NVA assault on Hill 488 began in late on 15 June 1966 and continued through the night. The beleagued Marines were assisted by Marine and Air Force helicopter and fixed wing air support, but it was sheer courage and determination that permitted the Marines to hold until morning. Charlie 1/5 Marines were airlifted onto the reverse slope of Hill 488 and relieved the Recon Marines. Of the 18 men in the Recon Platoon, 6 died and 12 were wounded. Two men of Charlie 1/5 Marines and one each from VMO-2 and VMO-6 (Marine UH-1 squadrons) died. One Medal of Honor (Staff Sergeant Howard), 4 Navy Crosses, and 15 Silver Stars were awarded.

Immediately after the battle, Captain F. J. West, USMCR, interviewed men from Howard's platoon, Charlie 1/5, airmen from the squadrons which supported Howard, and others. In 1967 the History and Museums Division, Headquarters, U. S. Marine Corps, published his account of the fight on Hill 488. Captain West's account is available on The Virtual Wall at HILL 488


SMALL UNIT ACTION IN VIETNAM
SUMMER 1966
by Captain Francis J. West, Jr., USMCR
History and Museums Division
Headquarters, U. S. Marine Corps
Washington, D. C.
Printed 1967; Reprinted 1977
"HOWARD'S HILL"

Preface: The author was on another patrol the night of the Howard fight. He met with the men of Charlie Company, who relieved Howard's platoon, immediately upon their return and taped their comments and reactions. Then he went to the hospital at Chulai and interviewed Howard and his men, talking later with the pilots, the Special Forces officers, and Howard's company and battalion commanders.

The Marine Corps has a tested tradition: it will never leave alone on the field of combat one of its fighting men. It will go to fantastic lengths and commit to battle scores of men to aid and protect a few. This is the story of a few such Marines, of the battle they fought, and the help they received from all the services, not just the Marine Corps.

Some 20 miles inland to the west of the Marine base at Chulai runs a range of steep mountains and twisting valleys. In that bandits' lair, the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese could train and plan for attacks against the heavily populated seacoast hamlets, massing only when it was time to attack. In early June of 1966, the intelligence reports reaching III MAF headquarters indicated that a mixed force of Viet Cong and North Vietnamese was gathering by the thousands in those mountains. But the enemy leaders were not packing their troops into a few large, vulnerable assembly points; they kept their units widely dispersed, moving mainly in squads and platoons.

To frustrate that scheme and keep the enemy off balance, the Marines launched Operation KANSAS, an imaginative concept in strategy. Rather than send full infantry battalions to beat the bushes in search of small enemy bands, Lieutenant General Lewis W. Walt detailed the reconnaissance battalion of the 1st Marine Division to scout the mountains. The reconnaissance Marines would move in small teams of 8 to 20 men. If they located a large enemy concentration, Marine infantry would be flown in. If, as was expected, they saw only numerous small groups of Viet Cong and North Vietnamese, they were to smash them by calling in air and artillery strikes.

Lieutenant Colonel Arthur J. Sullivan had set high training standards for his battalion. Every man had received individual schooling in forward observer techniques and reconnaissance patrol procedures. He was confident his men could perform the mission successfully, despite the obvious hazards. "The Vietnam war," he said, "has given the small-unit leader -- the corporal, the sergeant, the lieutenant -- a chance to be independent. The senior officers just can't be out there looking over their shoulders. You have to have confidence in your junior officers and NCOs."

One such NCO was Staff Sergeant Jimmie Earl Howard, acting commander of the 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. A tall, well-built man in his mid-thirties, Howard had been a star football player and later a coach at the San Diego Recruit Depot. Leadership came naturally to him. "Howard was a very personable fellow," his company commander, Captain Tim Geraghty said. "The men liked him. They liked to work for him." In Korea he had been wounded three times and awarded the Silver Star for bravery. In Vietnam he would receive a fourth Purple Heart and be recommended for the Medal of Honor.

As dusk fell on the evening of 13 June 1966, a flight of helicopters settled on the slope of Hill 488, 25 miles west of Chulai. Howard and his 17 men jumped out and climbed the steep incline to the top. The hill, called Nui Vu, rose to a peak of nearly 1,500 feet and dominated the terrain for miles. Three narrow strips of level ground ran along the top for several hundred yards before falling abruptly away. Seen from the air, they roughly resembled the three blades on an airplane propeller. Howard chose the blade which pointed north for his command post and placed observation teams on the other two blades. It was an ideal vantage point.

The enemy knew it also. Their foxholes dotted the ground, each with a small shelter scooped out two feet under the surface. Howard permitted his men use of these one-man caves during the day to avoid the hot sun and enemy detection. There was no other cover or concealment to be found. There were no trees, only knee-high grass and small scrub growth.

In the surrounding valleys and villages, there were many enemy. For the next two days, Howard was constantly calling for fire missions, as members of the platoon saw small enemy groups almost every hour. Not all the requests for air and artillery strikes were honored. Sullivan was concerned lest the platoon's position, so salient and bare, be spotted by a suspicious enemy. Most of the firing at targets located by the platoon was done only when there was an observation plane circling in the vicinity to decoy the enemy. After two days Sullivan and his executive officer, Major Allan Harris, became alarmed at the risk involved in leaving the platoon stationary any longer. But the observation post was ideal; Howard had encountered no difficulty, and, in any case, thought he had a secure escape route along a ridge to the east. So it was decided to leave the platoon on Nui Vu for one more day.

However, the enemy were well aware of the platoon's presence. (Sullivan has a theory that the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese, long harassed, disrupted, and punished by reconnaissance units in territory they claimed to control absolutely, had determined to eliminate one such unit, hoping thereby to demoralize the others. Looked at in hindsight, the ferocity and tenacity of the attack upon Nui Vu gives credence to the colonel's theory.) In any case, the North Vietnamese made their preparations well and did not tip their hand. On 15 June, they moved a fresh, well-equipped, highly trained battalion to the base of Nui Vu. In late afternoon hundreds of the enemy started to climb up the three blades, hoping to annihilate the dozen and a half Marines in one surprise attack.

The Army Special Forces frustrated that plan. Sergeant 1st Class Donald Reed and Specialist 5th Class Hardey Drande were leading a platoon of CIDG (Civilian Irregular Defense Group) forces on patrol near Nui Vu that same afternoon. They saw elements of the North Vietnamese battalion moving towards the hill and radioed the news back to their base camp at Hoi An, several miles to the south. Howard's radio was purposely set on the same frequency and so he was alerted at the same time. Reed and Drande wanted to hit the enemy from the rear and disrupt them, but had to abandon the idea when they suddenly found themselves a very unpopular minority of two on the subject. Describing the reactions of the Special Forces NCOs later, Howard could not resist chuckling. "The language those sergeants used over the radio," he said, "when they realized they couldn't attack the PAVNs, well, they sure didn't learn it at communications school." Even though the Special Forces were not able to provide the ground support they wished to, their warning alerted Howard and enabled him to develop a precise defensive plan before the attack was launched.

Acting on the report, Howard gathered his team leaders, briefed them on the situation, selected an assembly point, instructed them to stay on full alert and to withdraw to the main position at the first sign of an approaching enemy. The corporals and lance corporals crept back to their teams and briefed them in the growing dusk. The Marines then settled down to watch and wait.

Lance Corporal Ricardo Binns had placed his observation team on the slope 40 meters forward of Howard's position. At approximately 2200, while the four Marines were lying in a shallow depression discussing in whispers their sergeant's solemn warnings, Binns quite casually propped himself up on his elbows and placed his rifle butt in his shoulder. Without saying a word, he pointed the barrel at a bush and fired. The bush pitched backward and fell thrashing 12 feet away.

The other Marines jumped up. Each threw a grenade, before grabbing his rifle and scrambling up the hill. Behind them grenades burst and automatic weapons pounded away. The battle of Nui Vu was on.

The other outposts withdrew to the main position. The Marines commanded a tiny rock-strewn knoll. The rocks would provide some protection for the defenders. Placing his two radios behind a large boulder, Howard set up a tight circular perimeter, not over 20 meters in diameter, and selected a firing position for each Marine.

The North Vietnamese too were setting up. They had made no audible noises while climbing. There was no talking, no clumsy movements. When Binns killed one of their scouts, they were less than 50 meters from the top.

The Marines were surrounded. From all sides the enemy threw grenades. Some bounced off the rocks; some rolled back down the slopes; some did not explode, but some landed right on Marines and did explode. The next day the platoon corpsman, Billee Don Holmes, recalled: "They were within twenty feet of us. Suddenly there were grenades all over. Then people started hollering. It seemed everyone got hit at the same time."

Holmes crawled forward to help. A grenade exploded between him and a wounded man. Holmes lost consciousness.

The battle was going well for the North Vietnamese. Four .50 caliber machine guns were firing in support of the assault units, their heavy explosive projectiles arcing in from the four points of the compass. Red tracer rounds from light machine guns streaked toward the Marine position, pointing the direction for reinforcements gathering in the valley. 60mm mortar shells smashed down and added rock splinters to the metal shrapnel whining through the air.

The North Vietnamese followed up the grenade shower with a full, well-coordinated assault, directed and controlled by shrill whistles and the clacking of bamboo sticks. From different directions, they rushed the position at the same time, firing automatic weapons, throwing grenades, and screaming. Howard later said he hadn't been sure how his troops would react. They were young and the situation looked hopeless. They had been shocked and confused by the ferocity of the attack and the screams of their own wounded.

But they reacted savagely. The first lines of enemy skirmishers were cut down seconds after they stood up and exposed themselves. The assault failed to gain momentum any place and the North Vietnamese in the rearward ranks had more sense than to copy the mistakes of the dead. Having failed in their swift charge, they went to earth and probed the perimeter, seeking a weak spot through which they could drive. To do this, small bands of the enemy tried to crawl quite close to a Marine, then overwhelm him with a burst of fire and several grenades.

continued... The full story... "HOWARD'S HILL" (http://www.virtualwall.org/units/hill488.htm)...

author, Captain Francis J. West, Jr., USMCR.
.

[hawk71049]

.

Almost a decade ago, I came across a story of the remarkable heroism of a Navy chaplin named Vincent Capodanno who received a Medal of Honor, posthumously, for extreme heroism and valor in Vietnam. He was probably the most beloved of all the Navy chaplins that served the USMC. Years later, I found out he was buried in Staten Island, NY at St. Peter's cemetary. Since I live in New York City, I went down to Fort Wadsworth to visit the military chapel and memorial which bears his name. Been there a few times; its's so beautiful and tranquil. A few years ago, I went down to attend the memorial mass commerating the anniversary of his passing. Unfortunately, I was late but some folks were still around and I got to meet and greet Mr. James Capodanno, the older brother and told him how much I appreciated what Fr. Capodanno had done. Last year, was the 40th annivesary, Sept. 4, 2007. I visited his gravesite for the first time (Fr. Capodanno is buried in the family plot along with his parents). A few days later on a Sunday, the 40th anniversary memorial was celebrated and fortunately, I was there. I plan to post pics on a site that I am currently working on.

if possible, please also consider posting on this forum also ... thanks.... hawk

.

[Unregistered]

I can certainly understand how Sgt. Peralta's fellow marines and family members feel like he deserved more, but as someone else stated earlier, the Navy Cross should not be so lightly dismissed. Refusing the award, or telling Mr. Gates where to stick it, not only disrespects the award itself, but those sailors, marines, and coastguardsmen who were awarded the Navy Cross. By all means, if people feel like he deserved the Medal of Honor, then take action and ask that his award be recognized. However, don't disrespect the Navy Cross by saying "it's not good enough." Braver people than us have been given that award, and Sgt. Peralta is certainly worth of it.

[ENOUGH IS ENOUGH]

People Just Need To Say It: Sgt Peralta Did Not Get The Moh Because He Was From Mexico And Was Alatin Male. Look At The Other Marine Who Received The Moh (dunsham), Same Story Same Thing, But Two Different Awards He Gets An Moh And Peralta Get A Navy Cross. Please Just Read Between The Lines My Friends.......oh By The Way Mr Gates When Did You Serve In Combat?

[LOL WAT?]

That's the dumbest comment I've ever heard. Seriously? Even if race had played a part in all of this, it would have been the other way around - they would have been more likely to give him that to keep the PC folks off of the government's back. Race has nothing to do with this, and the fact you bring it up is pretty insulting to his memory. Did he deserve the MoH? I think so. But making stupid accusations like that isn't going to change anyone's mind on the matter.

[MAHORRELL]

I cannot believe that this young Marine is not going to receive a MOH. Their reasoning is dead wrong. I personally know a young Marine who was shot in the head from the front and he is still alive even wit a complete new forehead and eye made for him because his own was blown away by a bullet. So i guess according to these 5 experts he must be a walking zombie. Give that Marine what he deserves. The MOH.

[49er fan]

People Just Need To Say It: Sgt Peralta Did Not Get The Moh Because He Was From Mexico And Was Alatin Male. Look At The Other Marine Who Received The Moh (dunsham), Same Story Same Thing, But Two Different Awards He Gets An Moh And Peralta Get A Navy Cross. Please Just Read Between The Lines My Friends.......oh By The Way Mr Gates When Did You Serve In Combat?

This wasn't about race until you whipped out the race card. If Mexicans are so worried about racial prejudice, then maybe they should head back to Mexico. Having lived in LA as a kid, I experienced racial hatred from Mexicans all the same. We all have our sob stories. I for one am an AMERICAN first since I don't believe in hyphenated loyalty.

[Unregistered]

" T he Medal of Honor is awarded by the President, in the name of Congress, to a Service members of the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps, and the U.S. Coast Guard, who distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The deed performed must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his or her comrades and must have involved risk of life. Incontestable proof of the performance of the service and there must be no margin of doubt or possibility of error in awarding this medal. To justify the decoration, the individual's service must clearly be rendered conspicuous above his or her comrades by an act so outstanding that it clearly distinguishes his or her gallantry beyond the call of duty from lesser forms of bravery; and it must be the type of deed which if not done would not subject the individual to any justified criticism. "

There can be know doubt at all to be given this award. Given that know one knew this young mans state of mind there is some doubt as to what his intentions may have been. Also the reviewers may have thought possibly someone may be fudgeing some info in the reports because i highly doubt that in a house, in the middle of a firefight five witnesses foucused on the same exact point to view the brave young man do the deed he did. Did someone yell "grenade"? What were the actions of the witnesses during these events? Did they just stand there, did they get on the ground, duck there heads or what, most people dont look in the direction of a hand grenade that is about to explode a few feet from you?

I am in know way trying to devalue what happened just trying to say what might have gone through the reviewers heads when they were debating this.

[Unregistered]

http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/ProfileFilter.do;jsessionid=LrGPK1SL1cBl6Jv8kfvdNC QMLGDyjb3RKzkWRXjKTDshJdTcGd0f!-2029616720?puri=%2Fhome%2Foverview%2FEligibility%2 FWhoIsEligible%2FMedalofHonorRecipientsAndFamilies

As the family of a MOH recipient, you get quite alot of benefits, Tricare, retirement, the works. I wonder if this had anything to do with it and the fact his family are Mexican and have some undocumented immigrants.

Just a thought.


RIP Sgt. Peralta. Semper Fi.

[Unregistered]

It breaks my heart to no end that this young man gave his life for his fellow Marines and some Ahole in a DC cubicle is going to judge his action based on some freakin medical experts that problably have never seen combat. His fellow Marines gave their statements that should be more than enough.

If we took Secretary Gate thinking and applied it to the law of the land, it would be kind of like a judge not believing the police officers in a criminal cases, or taking one expert's opinion over a panel of experts.

The only expert opinion that was really needed, it was that of the eye witnesses. The marines that were there and saw what SGT Peralta had done. If they say that SGT Peralta pulled the grenade under him to protect them, then he pulled the grenade under himself it is that simple. If the Corps said he deserves the Medal of Honor it good enough for me and should have been good enough for everyone else.

The precedence has been set one three other occasion. You smother a grenade you get the Medal of Honor.

The write up for the Navy Cross, said he pulled the grenade under himself. So either He did it or he didn’t. If he didn’t pull the grenade under his body, then he deserves no more than a Purple Heart. The Navy Cross is not a consolation prize.

[Unregistered]

wow if he was white maybe he would of got it.

[Hawk]

I have proudly served in the Navy for 11 years and I have deployed with both naval and marine forces. Just like filipinos have a cultural affinity/pride in serving in the navy, the marine corps serves as a similiar role for mexicans-americans (or americans of latino heritage for those who hate hypens). Discussion of race should not be discussed further, the military is probably the least bias institution in the US.

For every person who says he doesn't get because of his heritage, there is one person who says he gets it because of it. This is the tradegy of this, is that it will now become a political issue instead of a motivating story for young marines and yes for immigrants as well.

Does he deserve the award? What is precedence for the award? If others have received it for similiar acts well he should get it.

I saw several marines and soldiers who were not supposed to live walking around the DC area hospitals. The facts speak for themselves, he dragged a grenade under his body to save his fellow marines.

The marine corps says that the spirit of a marine never dies, because the marine corps lives forever. What Mr. Gates is saying that maybe this phrase is not true. Maybe SGT Peralta who had voluteered to serve in Iraq and take on the most dangerous missions, didn't mean to rely on his training. It just happened by accident. Part of a MOH honoree is that they do something that appears impossible, SGT Peralta did this.

[Disgusted]

I’m so sick of seeing self appointed medal sanctity police. The whole we should keep the value of the medal etc. It’s BS. Its often more someone somewhere is simply envious. Each medal has a requirement and it’s in black and white print and no person can presume to dictate or decides if actions they didn’t witness is or isn’t worthy. Reality dictates if it is or isn’t. This is the disgusting retrospective awful underbelly of the military. I bet if you were in Iraq right now you wouldn’t have time to argue against his award. The Marine took a grenade and shielded it from his men, and you know what? It’s not so rare a concept. 99.9% of Marines would do the same EXACT thing. And you know what? He STILL deserves the MOH. Period. Whether he is latino or white or black or who cares. We all bleed red and he certainly did.

[Unregistered]

so what happens if a Soldier or Marine jumps on a grenade and its a dud or low impact explosion? Does he not get the MOH?

[wzgriffith]

if the shot that killed him was friendly fire, he shouldn't rate anything right? not even a PH. So by giving him a Navy Cross, they're saying that he did do something heroic, which means he wasn't killed by the FF, so he does deserve a MOH right?

[Former_Marine_23]

if the shot that killed him was friendly fire, he shouldn't rate anything right? not even a PH. So by giving him a Navy Cross, they're saying that he did do something heroic, which means he wasn't killed by the FF, so he does deserve a MOH right?

I agree with your logic about if it was friendly fire, he shouldn't receive the Navy Cross...however, a friendly fire "accident" in the middle of a fire fight still rates you the Purple Heart because it was a wound sustained in combat.


- It is not intended that such a strict interpretation of the requirement for the wound or injury to be caused by direct result of hostile action be taken that it would preclude the award being made to deserving personnel. Commanders must also take into consideration the circumstances surrounding an injury, even if it appears to meet the criteria. Examples of such "special cases" include:

(a) In a case such as an individual injured while making a parachute landing from an aircraft that had been brought down by enemy fire; or, an individual injured as a result of a vehicle accident caused by enemy fire, the decision will be made in favor of the individual and the award will be made.

(b) Individuals wounded or killed as a result of "friendly fire" in the "heat of battle" will be awarded the Purple Heart as long as the "friendly" projectile or agent was released with the full intent of inflicting damage or destroying enemy troops or equipment.

[wzgriffith]

I agree with your logic about if it was friendly fire, he shouldn't receive the Navy Cross...however, a friendly fire "accident" in the middle of a fire fight still rates you the Purple Heart because it was a wound sustained in combat.


- It is not intended that such a strict interpretation of the requirement for the wound or injury to be caused by direct result of hostile action be taken that it would preclude the award being made to deserving personnel. Commanders must also take into consideration the circumstances surrounding an injury, even if it appears to meet the criteria. Examples of such "special cases" include:

(a) In a case such as an individual injured while making a parachute landing from an aircraft that had been brought down by enemy fire; or, an individual injured as a result of a vehicle accident caused by enemy fire, the decision will be made in favor of the individual and the award will be made.

(b) Individuals wounded or killed as a result of "friendly fire" in the "heat of battle" will be awarded the Purple Heart as long as the "friendly" projectile or agent was released with the full intent of inflicting damage or destroying enemy troops or equipment.

Ok. But if he was dead and couldn't pull the gernade under himself he shouldn't get any award. So the NC recognizes his sacrificing and life saving action... but the reason he couldnt get the MOH was because they said he could do said action... so heroic action = navy cross...but he was dead so he couldnt have done the heroic action, so he doesn't get the MOH...so he shouldn't have gotten the NC right? Them awarding anything for that action negates the whole "he was dead before he pulled the gernade under himself" argument.

[CommunityEditor]

HONOLULU — Fellow Marines will appeal to President-elect Barack Obama to award the Medal of Honor to a Hawaii-based Marine who witnesses say threw himself on a grenade to save his colleagues during combat in Iraq.

But they may struggle to get the nation’s highest military honor for Kaneohe Marine Sgt. Rafael Peralta.

Peralta has already been denied the Medal of Honor after Defense Secretary Robert Gates recommended he be awarded the Navy Cross, the second-highest combat honor.

Former Marine Robert Reynolds says Peralta saved his life and those of four other Marines during the battle for Fallujah in 2004.

A group of five independent experts reviewed the forensic evidence and unanimously found they couldn’t be sure Peralta acted deliberately.


Article: http://www.militarytimes.com/news/2008/12/ap_peralta_moh_123008/

[CommunityEditor]

Seven members of California’s congressional delegation have asked President Barack Obama to bestow the Medal of Honor to Sgt. Rafael Peralta, who died saving fellow Marines in Iraq.

In September, Peralta was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for pulling a grenade under his body in Fallujah on Nov. 15, 2004. In a letter to Obama dated Friday, the bipartisan delegation — which includes Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, and Reps. Brian Bilbray, Bob Filner, Darrell Issa, Susan Davis and Duncan Hunter — said, “We feel there is now question, based on the facts of the case and the eye-witness testimony of those ... with him on the mission, that [Peralta] is deserving of the prestigious Medal of Honor.”

The delegation previously sent requests to former President George W. Bush and Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who ordered an independent review of Peralta’s mental faculties at the time of his actions. Navy Secretary Donald Winter supported Peralta’s nomination for the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for valor, but Gates ultimately did not.

“This brave and courageous action is an inspiring testament of his dedication to his fellow Marines and willingness to lay down his life to protect theirs,” the lawmakers wrote Obama.

The letter asks Obama to provide a detailed explanation should his administration decide not to review Peralta’s case.


Article: http://www.militarytimes.com/news/2009/01/marine_peralta_012309w/
The letter: http://www.militarytimes.com/static/projects/pages/peralta_letter.pdf

[Bruce]

Seven members of California’s congressional delegation have asked President Barack Obama to bestow the Medal of Honor to Sgt. Rafael Peralta, who died saving fellow Marines in Iraq.

In September, Peralta was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for pulling a grenade under his body in Fallujah on Nov. 15, 2004. In a letter to Obama dated Friday, the bipartisan delegation — which includes Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, and Reps. Brian Bilbray, Bob Filner, Darrell Issa, Susan Davis and Duncan Hunter — said, “We feel there is now question, based on the facts of the case and the eye-witness testimony of those ... with him on the mission, that [Peralta] is deserving of the prestigious Medal of Honor.”

The delegation previously sent requests to former President George W. Bush and Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who ordered an independent review of Peralta’s mental faculties at the time of his actions. Navy Secretary Donald Winter supported Peralta’s nomination for the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for valor, but Gates ultimately did not.

“This brave and courageous action is an inspiring testament of his dedication to his fellow Marines and willingness to lay down his life to protect theirs,” the lawmakers wrote Obama.

The letter asks Obama to provide a detailed explanation should his administration decide not to review Peralta’s case.


Article: http://www.militarytimes.com/news/2009/01/marine_peralta_012309w/
The letter: http://www.militarytimes.com/static/projects/pages/peralta_letter.pdf

They should also recommend that SgtMaj. Kasal get an upgrade of his Navy Cross to the MOH. It is outrageous that there is not one living MOH awardee in this war, notwithstanding incredible accounts of heroism.

[kenny10]

It is ridiculous that it takes a military member getting killed in order to recieve the MOH
and the Peralta case is not a race issue

[james]

The Marine Corps and Secretary of the Navy approved the MOH for SGT. Peralta and Gates and his board went thru unconventional means of finding any evidence to expel the witness's and the Marine Corp accounts. That is just flagrant bias in any view or opinion. Everyone who has received the MOH thru proper channels from the Navy and Marine Corp went without zero doubt. We, in the Mexican American community know we are not looked at in a more positive manner or view. According to HollyWood there are only two type of heroic service members, black and white. While the rest are just token service members, nothing is farther from the truth. But what the public perceives, it beleives as fact. SGT Peralta went above and beyond for his fellow Marines and in turn, Gates and his board went above and beyond the norm to descredit his heroism. Please do let this matter die and let time just whisp away true heroism. Mexican Americans have served this nation with utmost distinction in every war but have historically been ommitted or just forgotten. I, for one was not suprised by Gates decision because we do fit the usual norm or perception of Latinos in todays military.

[topmjr]

I would like to know who the Medal of Honor recipient was that was on Secretary of Defense Gates's staff who was on Sgt Peralta's MOH hearing and what his citation stated as his actions were for his justification for his medal! If he was to be recommended today for his actions, would he be awarded the Medal of Honor, or for a lesser award?
Sgt Peralta deserves the Medal of Honor and I think that doctors and other non-combat experienced personnel should not override what eyewitnesses saw in the heat of combat!
Something stinks here and this is a slap in the face to Sgt Peralta, his family, and to the Marine Corps.