Amen.

Thank you for the insight into a great American Hero!

Because my trackbacks have been temporarily disabled, I just wanted to document who has linked to this post. If anyone knows of any I’ve missed, please leave a comment or send me an email. In alphabetical order:

Blogs of War

Daou Report

Dog Snot Diaries

Little Miss Attila

Mudville Gazette

Right-Wing & Right Minded

The Crowe

I did...

The actions of Sgt. Peralta are so exceptional and of so much valor I believe he should get the Congressional Medal of Honor. I know the Marines in all have done such a great and courageous job by going door to door and house to house that they are all heroes but I also believe they would be proud when one of their own is honored with our highest medal for such outstanding deeds. God Bless him and his family.

Ralph Short
Garden City, South Carolina

Is there any doubt that we lost one of the best and brightest here..God bless you Sgt. Peralta

I was also a friend of Rafael. I met him during the summer of 97. I had just completed my enlistment in the US Navy that January and moved back to San Diego to begin my studies at San Diego City College. That summer I decided to take a soccer class to pass the time and would meet him on the soccer field when he approached me and asked if I would be interested in playing in one of the local soccer leagues. I was surprised, to say the least, because it was my first formal soccer class I had taken and not very skilled. Now that I look back and think about it, I sincerely believe it had more to do with his character than my soccer skills that he approached me and asked me to play with the league team. That was just the way "Pony," as we called him, was.

Fast forward to now... From the time we left the last soccer game of that season I never lost contact with Rafael. I remember one day passing each other on the road and actually turning around and stopping our cars on the side of the road next to the MCRD and talking because we hadn't seen each other in a while. I also remember last speaking to Rafael at the local barber shop in Golden Hills (San Diego) that I continue to go to to this day - ironically that is where I learned of his passing.

I still on ocassion talk to the guys that played on that soccer team that season. For a number of them I was the one that broke the sad news that we had lost a friend. We talked about how our team, Aztlan, won the league championships that season... We talked about how, as team captain, he led us to that victory... We remembered how, before each game, he would take a knee and consult with his higher power... We talked about how much we miss him... We talk about how we can't forget him.

I now have a son who is 4 years old that knows Rafaels name. Although he doesn't know Rafael personally he knows that he is a hero. When he asks why, I tell him that he sacrificed himself for others. I've taken him to his burial place so that he recognizes where our true heros are laid to rest. He may not understand yet but when he does he will have a clear picture of and a person to look up to - his name will be Rafael Peralta. On ocassion he randomly wispers to me, "Daddy, Rafael is a hero...", and he winks his eye. The only thing I can respond with is, "Yes, he truly is."

Semper Fi old friend... You will not be forgotten.

I almost forgot why I posted but I have a picture of the team that season and would be honored to let others see my friend as I knew him. Please let me know where I can e-mail it.

Salvador Arellano

With great respect to this Marine, he is what Marines are made of "Semper Fi", and deserves the Medal Of Honor, he is an American Hero that everyone should hear about. I served in Viet Nam so I can relate. My sympthies to the Saldivar family.
Rest In Peace My Brother.

Last Spring I read "The Badge of Honour" where there is an excerpt of Bradley's book. Very worth a book. Such a naturally born "Sprit de Corps"!
Rafael Peralta death and what little insight is left of his life, is compelling. When I studied with the Jesuit fathers, a saying of Saint Ignatius stuck: "Words may move, deeds draft you."
I have thought about this gallant and noble inmigrant -as American as anyone can get to be- since I read your story.
It might be of interest that the most known bullfighting horseman of our country hold his same name, Don Rafael Peralta.
One just can guess what he could have lived if he had not dared to go through that door first. I offer little but I'll remember him and tell my little daughter of this man.
Regards to his family,
Ignacio Wenley Palacios.
Spain.

All I can say is that Sgt Peralta is the reason that we have the motto of Semper Fidelis! "Always Faithful" he was faithful to his Marines and to his country. He knew what it meant to be a leader, and when leading, the life of those who serve under you, is what's important.

Semper Fi!

Respectfully,
Sergeant Joe M. Reynoso USMC

I knew Rafa personaly and grew up with him. That's what we called him growing up "Rafa". He was one of my brothers best friends. He was also my mothers good friends godson. So naturally we all became good friends.

Even though I hadn't spoken to Rafa since he left for Hawaii, I still consider him a true friend.

Rafa struggled as a kid as do we all to figure out who he was. But he eventually found his true niche. He was a MARINE, and American Hero. He was right with GOD when he left this earth so I can proudly say: I'll see you in heaven when I get there Rafa.

Godspeed to a man who i personally knew and touched my life may he never be forgotten for me he wont ever be...tu eres mi inspiracion Junior

Rafael Peralta

You woke yourself for that day of battle,
Not knowing what would become of your day,
Herded your brothers as if they were cattle,
Your heart skipped beats as you began to pray.

Wondering what your future could bring,
You fought for the country that held you so free,
Your family in heart as your soul shall sing,
Everything in mind but not to flee,

Protecting the lives you held close in time,
You would do the best that a Marine can,
As a leader you planned to walk that key line,
Hoping to be a good example of man,

The third Marine regiment embraced you,
With tough love and intense training,
You are chosen among the prized few,
Sick for home your heart was raining,

To combat you took your peers to keep,
Life and living we marched with fear,
We were taught we live what we reap,
Seeing in thine enemies eyes a tear,

You took your brothers place with death,
As only some of them could have,
Approaching the door with consent and stress,
Plunging inside as a leader would have,

Those three lead death angels flew into you,
Without remorse you lay in dirt content,
You saved the lives of Marines so few,
And opened the door for others in event,

As you laid in near unconscious agony,
That pill of infinite ending roles in,
Pulling unto your soul you kept U.S. free,
The pain now is held with your kin,

Rafael, heaven restores you in life,
As your brethren carry you out,
As your medals were sent with strife,
Hoo-rah the band of brothers shout,

Continuing the journey your platoon,
Following our leader as his soul leads,
Around every corner we hear a boom,
Knowing you would’ve never thought to leave,

Pushing for our goal we kept you in mind,
We took time to reflect on what’s gone by,
Remembering the loss the day you died,
Knowing nothings sublime, we know you fly,

We must overcome, matter what the cost,
You gave us your rest and it was enough,
You overcame, and life was your loss,
Sacrificing as if you would try to slough,

Home you came covered and dressed,
Your story lives forever in our homes,
Passed to generations held and blessed,
You will always be the center of foams,

Keeping your promise to your leaders,
You fought with outstanding grace,
For the people, constant readers,
An everlasting image of your face,

Standing among the brave, Rafael Peralta,
Protecting who are free, Rafael Peralta
Sacrificing life for many, Rafael Peralta,
Who’s history is eternal, Rafael Peralta.

I wrote this for Rafaels' family and fellow Marines..

Stephen Sheldon

i loved that poem and months later im still trying to move on from the loss of such a wonderful man

Thank you all for not forgetting about my brother, it really means a lot to me, my family, and him. To me he is still alive, i hung his uniform in my closet waiting for for to get back to work, I know he's alive because of all you who talk, think and knew him. I am very proud of him, he's my hero, These past 6 months have not been easy, I've been dreaming about him alot i dream that he comes home with his uniform nice and ironed like always and says that his death was a mistake, i laugh and welcome him back but then i wake up and (it's an unexplainable feeling) im just so dissapointed. As i get ready for school I gaze at his uniform and think about him, its not easy. his platoon arrived a couple of weeks ago in hawaii, i wondered how things would of been if he had not opened that door, he would of given us that smile, we would go back to California, have lunch, and at night he would of gone to mexico to party with his friends, on Nov. 7 a week before his death he wrote me a letter he said " if anything happens to me just remember that I already lived my life to the fullest and i am happy with what i lived" " if your lonely just think in god and that some day we will all be together again" I hope so and brother you better be waiting for me because im coming as soon as some people think ONLY YOU KNOW

America is blessed to have such honored heroes as Sgt. Rafael Peralta and his family. I am eternally grateful for showing me what it means to truly love and respect our indomintable American spirit.

My tears flow in joy knowing I belong to a nation filled with such noble Americans.

God Bless America

NYC, NY

my brother was one of sgt. peralta's good friend and he would always come to my house i remember he was a good guy i remember the day of my birthday which was may 5 like we all know 5 de mayo he came to my house with a big red truck and a really big really big mexican flag hanging on the back that he had just bought when he was crossing the border and we all left to downtown and he was just crusing showing his mexican pride. just wanted to say how much we miss you and well never forget you love always the haro family ramon, dennise, addy, sam, mom & dad

I am not a Marine but I know the sacrifice one makes when joining the service, cause I am currently in the Army and have been in for 6 years. I recently have had a younger brother of mine join the ranks of the Marines and he is now over seas, am I worried for him, of course but I also know he joined tryn to do his part for his raza, because the ranks of all services is not made up of the kids of rich people, but of the kids of hard working and poor families. I have been over seas twice and God has seen fit to bring me home but many have not been so lucky so lets not mourn the dead but celebrate their lives and what they stood for. Thank for listening.
[edited to remove all caps]

Dear Ms. Peralta,

Words cannot express the gratitude and debt that I, my family and our country owe to you and your family. I have an almost 2 year old son and I cannot begin to conceive of the grief that would come with his loss. I assure you, all across the country, people you will never know, every day, remember your son...a true hero. I can only hope that I can raise my own son to be as brave, selfless and as strong a man as Rafael. As my son grows up, I will tell him about Sgt. Peralta and and how he showed what it means to be a leader, a patriot, and a man.

Your family is in all of our thoughts and prayers. I wish you all the best.

On the eve of our Corps Birthday, Semper Fi brother and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

It's been a year since he is gone and I still remember talking and listening to his plans telling about his plans. I can't believe it. I MISS HIM. God bLess his family you guys are in my prayers. I'll always remember him.

Well.....this isn't easy....1 year since we lost you.There is not one day that goes by with out thinking about you. Through out this year a lot has been happening to me, but it's also been a year of hoping that this was all a dream....hoping that I was going to get to see you come back and that all the plans that you had made before leaving and while you were in Iraq were going to get done...It hurts to know that your not around physically anymore, but I get happy when I know that spiritually you're watching over all of us who in some way or another were a part of you. Today were not remembering the death of any person, but were remembering the life of a hero, whom god placed among us...even though the time that we had you here was very short for all of us...im pretty sure that for you they were 25 great years. I still remeber how happy you were when you first joined the Marines! There was a lot of great moments that now I can only keep in my mind and in my heart. I remember the tough Rafa, whom nobody messed with and all the respect that people had for you, but I also remember the funny, loving, caring, generous, hard working and partying Rafa...the one with a big heart that nobody can ever forget....Thanks You for being there for me all those years...and I thank god for them tooo..... I MISS U BABE! R.I.P...See You Later.

Peralta was my roomate for quite awhile when he first arrived in k-bay. We also went through ISLC together that next spring. He had so many "homies" in his secretary, and he would always get mad when I'd want to play with them. When I got back from leave in January '04, he wasn't in the room, so I thought it would be funny to set ALL of his homies on his bed. When he walked in the room, he laughed, punched me in the chest when he saw his bed and said "that's exactly what I needed." I didn't know until minutes later that he was in cali for his finance`s funeral. When we were packing for our deployment, I remembered that after i moved out of his room, I left an "outkast" cd in his 100 disc changer, so I went to his room to go get it. He was in the process of packing and he handed me a "homie." After talking and catching up for awhile I left, with my new homie in hand, and totally forgot about the cd.

I can't describe the feeling i felt when I found out he had gone down. I MISS YOU BRO!!!

Soft winds blowing across a mountain top flag
during World War II,
highlight those who struggle to hoist for all to see
reminded me of freedoms beacon
within their souls

allowing those here the slumber of the protected

The beacon shines brighter now

calling

those who chose to hear the call

moreover, the terrible price paid now on foreign shores

Willingly answered

to be escorted home upon caissons resting for eternity

Honored now by those who remember
Honored by those protected
Honored by those who stood by their side
Honored by those who also fell in battles past
Welcomed into the shade cast by the Tree of Liberty

Felton Green SCPO (SW) USN Retired

I just want to say Thank You and God Bless to Sgt Peralta and his family. Sgt Peralta is everything an American is about and more then a Hero he gave his life for his friends. I think this world and this Country was very Blessed to have him here with us while he was. He has touched many lives even some who never knew him personally. take care and God Bless those who serve, those he knew, those he saved, his family, friends, and Sgt. Rafael Peralta. Thank you for all you did and for those serving for all you do.

What an amazing human! We are so blessed to have such wonderful young people protecting us in these crazy times. I posted a picture and excerpt from your story on my blog. It was in response to someone else who had commented on a previous post about Sgt Peralta. So, he is remembered and admired by many, many people.

HELLO EVERYONE IM ONE OF MANY FRIENDS PERALTA HAD IN HAWAII, IM AM THE GUY NEXT TO HIM IN THE PICTURE ON TOP. ITS BEEN A WHILE SINCE I WROTE HERE, I WAS CHECKING OUT MY PICS AND I SAW SOME WITH PERALTA IN THEM SO I CAME TO THIS WEB SITE I AM AMAZED BY ALL THIS PEOPLE WHO TAKE A LIL BIT OF TIME TO REMEMBER A HERO AND FRIEND, I STILL MISS PERALTA LIKE IF IT WAS YESTERDAY I COULD SAY EVERYWHERE I GO I CARRY A STORY ABOUT WHAT I KNEW ABOUT HIM AND SAY IT OUT LOUD, HUH AND EVERY TIME I GET DRUNK I SING THAT CHENTE SONG (LA MISMA) JUST LIKE WHEN HE WAS PARTYING WITH ME ONLY THAT THIS TIME I CANT FINISH THE SONG CAUSE A BIG KNOT GETS ON THE WAY JUST LIKE NOW AS I WRITE ABOUT HIM PERALTA WAS A MAN TO ADMIRE HE WAS SO MATURE I COULD TALK WITH PERALTA FOREVER AND NEVER LOSE THAT RESPECT WE HAD FOR EACH OTHER , I REMEMBER WHEN I MET HIM WE WERE HAVING A PFT AND OLD FRIEND AND ALSO AGOOD FRIEND OF PERALT CAME UP AND INTRODUSED HIM TO ALLTHE MEXICANS IN 2ND PLATOON WE SHOK HIS HAND LIKE IF WEVE KNOWN HIM FOREVER HE THEN BECAME A PART OF THE GROUP THAT WOULD ALWAYS CHILL TOGETHER, I INVITED HIM FOR DINNER AT MY PLACE MY WIFE BRENDA WAS COOKING FOR US THATS WHEN HE STARTED TALKING ABOUT HIS PLANS, HE TALKED ABOUT HIS FIANCE THAT SHE WAS CLOSE TO COME VISIT HIM IN HAWAII AND THAT WE WOULD HAVE TO GET TOGETHER WHEN SHE ARRIVED AND HAVE A BIGDINNER TOGETHER THAT BOTH MY WIFE AND HER WOULD DO THE COOKING CAUSE THEY BOTH NEW ABOUT SOME REAL COOKING,I SAW THE EXPRESSIONS IN HIS FACE AS HE TALKED ABOUT HIS LOVED ONE, THEY WERE GOING TO GET MARRIED IN HAWAII AND YOULL BE HERE AND YOU DO THIS AND FUN HERE AND FUN THERE WOW HE WAS SO EXCITED, DAYS LATER I HEAR FROM PERALTA SAYING PLANS HAD CHANGE THAT HIS FIANCE HAD TO GO BACK BECAUSE HER MOTHER PASSED AWAY,I FELT SO BAD CAUSE HE WAS SO DISSAPOINTED THAT HE WOULDNT BE ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE FUNERAL AND ALSO BECAUSE HE DIDNT GET TO MARRY AS PLANNED. LATER ON I HEAR FROM HIM BUT THIS TIME HE WAS CYING I WAS LIKE WHAT HAPPENED THATS WHEN I DROPPED IN SILENCE I DIDNT KNOW WHAT TO SAY, HIS FIANCE HAD PAST AWAY TOO I SAID I WAS SORRY, BUT DIDNT HAVE THE ANSWER TO HIS QUESTION; WHY? WHY DID ALL THIS HAPPEN TO HIM HE ASKED. I THINK IT WAS A LITTLE WHILE AFTER THAT WHEN I SAW HIM AGAIN WE WERE HAVING A COOKOUT AT THE BEACH WE PLAYED SOCCER AND HAD SOME BEERS FOR A WHILE HE THEN TOOL ME TO THE SIDE AND CRIED ABOUT HIS FIANCE , WALO I HAD A LOT OF PLANS WHITH MY FIANCE HOW COULD SUCH A THING HAPPEN TO A PERSON HE SAID, I JUST LISTENED HE THEN SAID THAT THEY WERE PRETTY CLOSE TO DEPLOYING FOR IRAQ AND THAT HE PROBABLY WOULDNT MAKE IT BACK I TALKED TO HIM ABOUT IT JUST TOLD HIM TO GO DO HIS JOB AND COME BACK THAT MANY OF HIS FRIENDS WANTED TO SEE HIM AGAIN AND THAT HE HAD FAMILY THAT WOULD SUFFER EMOTIONALY IF HE WOULDNT COME BACK I REACHED AND HANDED HIM A ROSARY ID BOUGHT FOR HIM IN MATAMOROS MEXICO I HUGED HIM CRIED WITH HIM AND TOLD HIM TO PLEASE MAKE IT BACK THAT MY WIFE AND I WOULD PRAY FOR HIM ALL THE TIME TILL HE CAME BACK , BEFORE HIM LEAVING WE ALL HAD A PARTY AT THE SAVAGE'S HOME SANDY AND STEVE THATS WHERE WE TOOK THAT HANG LOOSE PICTURE OF HIM WITH A GLASS OF BUCHAUNANS IN HIS HAND, BOY DID WE HAVE A BLAST OR WHAT HOMMIE! WE MADE A BUNCH OF PLANS FOR WHEN HE CAME BACK WE PLANNED MY LIL BOYS BIRTHDAY PARTY AND TRAVELING TOGETHER AND A WHOLE LOT OF GOOD STUFF WE TALKED LIKE IT WAS TOMMOROW WHEN HE WAS COMING BACK AFTER A WHILE IN THE PARTY WE GOT SAD AGAIN HE WAS TALKING ABOUT HIS FIANCE, HE ALSO MENTIONED SOMETHIN ABOUT A DREAM HE HAD ABOUT HER, IN HIS DREAM WAS HER TALKING TO HIM SAYING THAT SHE WOULD TAKE CARE OF HIM AND THAT THEY WERE SO CLOSE TO BEING TOGETHER AGAIN AND FOREVER, HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT HIS MOM HAD A SIMILAR DREAM ONLY THAT HIS FIANCE TOLD HIS MOM NOT TO WORRY ABOUT HIM THAT SHE WOULD TAKE GREAT CARE OF HIM WHEN HE JOINED HER IN HEAVEN SUPERSTITIOUS NO I DONT THINK SO TO ME THATS DESTINY, TOO BAD WE CANT CHANGE THAT AND THE WAY HE TALKED ABOUT IT IS LIKE HE KNEW SOMETHING WAS FOR SURE GOIN TO HAPPEN TO HIM DAY BY DAY HE LIVED AND KNEW SOMETHING WAS BRINGING HIM CLOSE TO HIS LOVED ONE WE JUST DINDNT WANT TO ACCEPT IT WE WANTED HIM TO COME BACK, AFTER THAT PARTY DELOYMENT FOR 1/3 WAS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER WE GOT TO GO TO BAY FEST TOGETHER AFTER ALL THAT HE DEPLOYED THATS THE PICTURE OF HIM IN CAMOFLAUGE UNIFORM WITH MY WIFE AND I. WE SPOKE A COUPLE OF TIMES BY PHONE BUT WE KEPT IN TOUCH BY EMAIL HE MET MY SON EDUARDO SALDIVAR JR (SCRAPPY) LIKE HE CALLED HIM, BY WEBCAM HE WAS SO HAPPY WHEN HE SAW HIM HE HAD A BIG SMILE I COULD SEE THE MOTIVATION ON HIS FACE HE WAVED HIS RIFFLE AND WROTE, IM GONNA GET SOME AND ILL GET SOME FOR YOU TOO THATS THE LAST TIME I COMMUNICATED WITH IT WAS TILL NOVEMBER WHEN I HEARD MY WIFE CRYING TELLING ME THAT RAFA HAD PAST AWAY I DIDNT WANNA BELIEVE IT MANY FRIENDS CALLED THAT SAME DAY TOO TEARS AND SADNESS TOOK OVER MY WIFE AND I ,WE BOUGHT A PLANE TICKET THAT SAME DAY AND WENT TO CALIFORNIA TO MEET WITH PERALTA'S FAMILY I FELT SO BAD WATCHIG HIS FAMILY CRY OUT LOUD ASKING ME WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE HIM I HAD NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE MY SYMPATHY I JUST HUGGED HIS MOM AND TOLD HER I WAS SORRY WE TALKED TO HIS BROTHER SISTER AND UNCLES IN THE HOUSE WE COULDNT TALK TO HIS MOM SHE WAS SO HURT FULL OF TEARS, WORST FEELING TO SEE HIS MOTHER CRY. I SAW HIM AT THE FUNERAL FOR THE LAST TIME LIYING ON THAT CASKET WITH HIS FULL DRESS UNIFORM I HELD HIS HAND AND WISHED HIM REST AND PEACE IN HEVEAN BROTHER GOT ON MY FLIGHT AND WENT BACK HOME IN HAWAII THAT SAME NIGHT I HAD A DREAM OF PERALTA THANKING ME FOR GOIN TO SEE HIS MOM AND FAMILY HE TOLD ME NOT TO BE SAD THAT HE WAS DOING GOOD HE WAS IN A BETTER PLACE FULL OF PEACE HE ALSO SAID ITS NOT HOW YOU THINK IT IS WE DONT SUFFER AT ALL HERE SO DONT U GUYS CRY FOR ME NO MORE BUT IT IS SO HARD NOT TO CRY FOR A LOVED ONE WHEN THEY ARE GONE ,TILL THIS DAY I STILL CRY YOUR ABSENCE FRIEND WE MISS U A LOT NO I WILL NEVER STOP MISSING U AND I WILL ALWAYS SPREAD YOUR STORY THE STORY OF HERO AND MY TRUE FRIEND I WILL FOREVER REMENBER U PEACE BE WITH U BRO SEE U LATER.

Hi,
We would love to be in touch with the author of this website.
We are working on a film for the History channel honoring the valor of Sgt. Rafael Peralta. If anyone would like to contribute their stories of friendship, video footage or pictures to the film, please contact me at:

212.210.1400, ext. 5343
or email me at:
Allison.Wurthmann@aetn.com

Hey Don-

I was contacted by A&E and contributed what I could to Rafael's story. I hope it will allow others to see who Rafael was.

Also, I don't know if this is posted anywhere else but the combat correspondent who brought to us Rafael's story of heroism was killed in a vehicle accident.

Salvador Arellano

Links to the story.
http://www.marinetimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-2017392.php

http://news.bostonherald.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=152037&srvc=home

http://www.tauntongazette.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17035476&BRD=1711&PAG=461&dept_id=24232&rfi=6

Good day to the Peralta Family,

I am Sgt. Stephen P.Lara, currently serving with 1st Battalion, 3d Marines in Marine Corps Base, Hawaii. I was stationed with this brave man while serving at MCRD, San Diego and was a very good friend of his. I never got the opportunity to send my condolences to your family as I was present the day of his burial, but felt as though I owed it to him to let you know that he was a fine man. I keep an enlarged framed picture that was given to me by fellow Marines, as I proudly keep it hanging in my living room, anyone who visits leaves knowing what a hero this man is and that he has sacrificed his life for the love of his fellow Marines as well as the United States of America. I think about him quite often whether it was the times that we were at the rifle range together or the last time I saw and spoke to him often talking about drinking a beer with him upon my arrival in Hawaii.... Although I never got the chance, I am sure it would have been great to have had that experience with him. I want you to not be sad, although I know it may be hard, I assure you this Devil Dawg will never be forgotten and his name will live forever in the hearts of many, especially the lives he saved that faitfull day. As I have said before this was a "Marines Marine", a natural born leader and a true friend.

May God bless you and your family, for the PERALTA name will never go unheard and may this hero live in everyone's hearts and mind forever. He lived his life well and went a happy man I assure you, as I know he is with Jesus now... May we meet again my friend, I salute you and everything you stand for...

God Bless You Ms. Peralta and your family, your son has made all of us proud! Thank you for your time, and have a great day maam.

Sgt Stephen P. Lara
1st Battalion, 3d Marines

Thx very good story and nice site.

What a great hero !!! May he always be remembered forever !!!!

My favoret memory of sgt peralta is at PTA on the big island. He was somewhat new to the plt. and he was trying to spend time with everyone. Trying to get to know everyone in his team. We were doing training and me and him had security together, on some hill and we talked most of the night. I new that night he was a great marine and would always put his men before himself. Thats just who he was.
I miss him and will always remember him

WOW! SO MUCH HAS HAPPENED SINCE YOUVE BEEN GONE, AND EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THESE HAPPY OR SAD MOMENTS I STILL WISH YOU WERE AROUND TO GIVE ME ADVICE OR JUST BE HERE FOR SUPPORT...BUT REGARDLESS OF THAT I BELIEVE THAT WHERE EVER YOUR AT YOUR STILL GIVING ME THE STRENGTH YOU WOULD GIVE ME WHEN YOU WERE HERE...I DONT KNOW IF YOU KNOW, BUT EVERY NIGHT YOU ARE STILL IN MY PRAYERS...I ASK GOD THAT WHERE EVER YOU ARE HE'S STILL TAKING CARE OF YOU LIKE I USED TO ASK HIM EVERY NIGHT WHEN YOU WERE IN IRAQ.LAST TIME MY MY DAD AND I WERE WATCHING THE THE SOCCER GAME BETWEEN CHIVAS AND AMERICA, AND MY DAD SAID THAT IF YOU WOULDVE BEEN HERE YOU WOULDVE BEEN BETTING HIM LIKE THE LAST TIME WE ALL WATCHED THE GAME WITH YOU. MY MOM AND YURI TOOK YOU FLOWERS ON MY BEHALF TODAY TO YOUR GRAVE, AND I FELT REALLY BAD CAUSE ONCE AGAIN I COULDNT BE THERE ON AN IMPORTANT DAY...BUT FROM HERE I WANTED TO SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND I HOPE THAT WHERE EVER YOU ARE YOU KNOW THAT I STILL THINK ABOUT YOU, AND STILL WISH THAT I CAN HOLD YOU IN MY ARMS LIKE I USED TO...I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART AND I MISS YOU LIKE ALWAYS BABY!!!

Sgt. Peralta, rest in peace and may God reserve a special place in heaven for you and men like you. I ride for you bro.

Well Sgt PERALTA I MISS U SO MUCH I THINK OF U EVERYDAY ILL NEVER FORGET WAT HAPPENED TO US THAT DAY IN THAT HOUSE SOMETIMES I FEEL SO GUILTY BECAUSE I WISH I COULD HAVE DONE MORE BUT THEIR IS NOTHING I CAN DO OR SAY THAT CAN BRING U BACK ONLY THAT I LOVE AND MISS U

Thank you Rafael, a real hero. God Bless his family.

Getting to know him and his family was my greatest honor. Only 1 thing still haunts me, I never got to say goodbye. I missed him by 5 minutes when he arrived in Al Asad, Iraq.

I just finished reading Home of the Brave while enjoying a beautiful sunset, Sergeant Rafael Peralta, thank you for allowing me to have the freedom to enjoy that sunset and Karen....we will NEVER forget your brother!

Ms Peralta-I know your family has suffered much from the loss of loved ones but please know that your son's death was not in vain, as you see here on this post-he did and continues to inspire.

Rafa otraves estoy aqui escribiendote para decirte q no te hemos olvidado ahora yo estoy aqui sufriendo con mis 2 hijos y mi princesa q rapido pase este tiempo para q Walo regrese. Yo solo le mando mis bendiciones a mi chapparo para q regrese con bien sabes el hiso volunteer para ir a Iraq para vengar tu muerte y estoy deacuerdo con el pero porfavor cuidame mucho y has q nada le pase. Tengo tu foto en mi casa y tu sabes q todos los dias platico contigo sobre walo pero porfavor cuidalo siempre ya viene el 16 de Septiempre y recuerdo cuando fuimos a Waikiki te extranamos demaciado. Sabes mi bebe Rafita tiene tus cachetotes le puse Rafael por ti para q el al igual q nosotros siempre diga q es el significado de su nombre de un heroe un heroe Mexicano Cabron. Te queremos demaciado y nunca te vamos a olvidar recibe besos y abrazos de quien te quiere y extrana Saldivarlopez, Walito, Rafita, brenda la gorda y de mi GoD bless you alway SEMPRE FI

Sgt Peralta, saved my husbands life that day, I never got to meet him in person, but from all the stories my husband has told me he was a man like no other. He will live in our hearts, and minds for eternity. We arent in touch with the family as much as we would like to be, but I hope they will read this and know that they too are in our hearts, and prayers, there isnt a day that goes by that we don't think of his sacrifice, as well as theirs, every time I look at my husband , and my daughter, I will whisper a word of thanks to Rafael for what he did that day, for I know if it were not for him, I wouldnt have either of them, and my son wouldn't have his father, god bless you Rafael, you shall never be forgotten, you are a true hero.

Pony-

We still think about you and everything you did that day for your Marines. We love you brother...

Hola Peralta today would be three years you left us and again you still have all this people that still remember you . Some here in the states and other fighting in Iraq. Dont ever think we will forget you. You were a great friend and a great person. Your sacrifies will never be forgotten , many years can go by but you will for ever be in our hearts. I had Walito seeing your pictures and he asked me all this qustions and I started crying and he looked at me and I told him that was your uncle Rafa and he loved you and he started crying and hugged me . He asked me how you had died and I told him he was working in Iraq killing Iraqies just like daddy. We miss you and will for ever keep yoiu in our hearts,prayers and in our family.

The Saldivar Family

Sgt Peralta I personaly miss you very much you were a GREAT MARINE and A GREAT MAN I wish i was a little faster on the trigger maybe it would have made a difference but what is done is done and we cant change what has happend you will always be missed and I hope you have found calm winds a fair seas where you are at God Bless and Semper Fi You May Have Fallen but surely NOT Forgotten

Gun Up

Hola Rafa solo te escribo estas cuantas lineas para desirte feliz ano . Se q no estas aqui pero se q tu estas mejor q nosotros. Te extranamos mucho y nunca te vamos a olvidar. Talves no estas aqui con nosotros pero yo en lo personal te digo q nunca te vamos a olvidar . Fuistes una muy linda persona y nunca te vamos a olvidar. Yo se q un dia nos vamos a volver a ver y todo va a volver hacer lo mismo. Recibe muchisimos saludos de toda mi familia. Siempre nos acordamos de todos los dia q pasabamos juntos. Ahorra Walo esta en Iraq y Dios quiera q muy pronto regrese. Te extranamos mucho.Hasta pronto!!!!

Familia Saldivar - Lopez

First of all, R.I.P. Rafael. My brother is a marine, ooorah, and we're really hoping he doesn't get send. From what i read, i think Rafael was a really brave dude!!! well that's all and sorry for what happened!!!

Sgt. Peralta,
First I just wanna say thank you to you and your fellow Marines of 1/3 for what you went through. I just saw the news about that board downgrading your award which I think is a complete travesty-you deserve the Medal of Honor! And to Mrs. Reynolds-maam I would believe your husband and his fellow Marines over the office pogues who made this unsat decision any day of the week.

Semper Fi,
Mike Casey USMC '85-'89

Rafa,

No matter what you will always be a Medal of Honor. Rest in Peace my friend remember that Thrid Marine Divison will never.

Hello,

I am writing on behalf of the Eugene A. Obregon Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial based in downtown Los Angeles, CA. We are Foundation that is dedicated to honoring ALL the Latino Congressional Medal of Honor recipients (www.obregoncmh.org) and we fully support the efforts of getting a Medal of Honor awarded to Sgt. Peralta. he certainly deserves it!

I am hoping someone on here can assist me. I am trying to find out further information regarding Sgt. Peralta and the efforts behind getting him awarded the Medal of Honor.

I am hoping someone might be able to assist me in locating further information regarding these efforts. In additiona, my initial questions are: 1) Is there a primary organization that is heading the efforts to have Sgt. Peralta awarded the Medal of Honor? 2) Does anyone know where I can locate a copy of the original response from Defense Secretary Robert Gates which denies Peralta the Medal of Honor?

Any assistance or insight you can provide would be extremely helpful!

Thank you!

Vanessa Ramirez
vramirez@rabengroup.com