As a result of his actions in Iraq, a U.S. Marine was given the U.S. Navy Cross for his actions which ultimately led to his death. As part of the process in awarding the medal, the Servicemember was evaluated for the Medal of Honor but it was decided that he did not qualify.
Seven members of Congress have now sent a letter to President Obama asking that Sergeant Rafael Peralta, the Servicemember that did qualify for the U.S. Navy Cross be awarded the metal of honor, despite not technically being qualified.
No matter if the Medal of Honor is ultimately awarded or not, it is not at issue that Sergeant Peralta was a brave U.S. Marine who gave his life for his country.
The Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates has declared that Sergeant Peralta does not qualify because he was already dead when the grenade was tossed into the area where he died. Supporters claim that Sergeant Peralta pulled the grenade that had been tossed underneath him, shielding the other people.
While the Defense department has denied the request for the Medal of Honor so far, the Congressional Delegation from California has requested that President Obama step in.
January 30th, 2009 at 8:48 am
I feel the marine deserves the medal of honor. How can someone who sit’s in their office deny this brave soilder who protected his country and gave his life in the process.How can someone be awareded on their death.