Edgar Rodriguez, Speaking Out
Last week, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates decided that Sgt. Rafael Peralta would not be awarded the Medal of Honor. Instead, Gates decided that he should be awarded the Navy Cross.
For those who have never heard of Peralta, he was a Marine who took part in Operation Phantom Fury in the city of Fallujah, Iraq, during November 2004.
While leading a patrol into a house Nov. 15, he encountered a group of insurgents and was shot several times in the face and chest.
During the fight, one of the attackers threw a grenade at the group of Marines, and, despite his wounds, Peralta was able to grab the grenade and pull it up to his chest before it exploded, saving the lives of his fellow Marines.
Both the Marine Corps and the Secretary of the Navy pushed for Peralta to be awarded the Medal of Honor. Gates decided the Navy Cross was more appropriate.
Many speculate the reason for this decision was that Peralta used to be an illegal immigrant and, if awarded the medal, a political firestorm might ensue.
Whatever the reason, I think it is disgraceful that he was not awarded the medal. The Navy Cross is a great honor the Marine Corps does not bestow lightly. Peralta clearly met the criteria for the Medal of Honor.
Thankfully, Peralta's family and friends refused to accept that he be shortchanged for his bravery. They are still trying to see that Peralta receives the honor he deserves - as are several members of Congress.
I knew Peralta. I was with him in Iraq, and I know firsthand that the tales of his bravery and courage are not exaggerated. If anything, they have been understated.
He didn't have to be in Fallujah leading the way on Nov. 15. He could have taken the easy route and sat behind a desk, and no one would have been the wiser. He volunteered to be there because he wanted to serve his country in the most difficult way possible.
He may not have been born in the United States, but Peralta loved his adopted country more than most native-born Americans do.
Regardless of your views about the Iraq war, acts of selflessness like Peralta's must be properly acknowledged. I hope he receives the recognition he deserves and is able to take his place among the Medal of Honor recipients who have given their lives for their country.
Edgar Rodriguez is a political science sophomore at Santa Fe College.
