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I recently posted about a true American Hero: Sgt. Rafael Peralta. As a result, I have had the very good fortune of corresponding with Brenda Saldivar who, along with her husband Eduardo, were good friends of Rafael Peralta. I asked Brenda if she had any pictures of Rafael other than the formal one of him in his Marine dress blues-the only one I could find on the internet.
It's easy to read about the events surrounding Rafael Peralta's life--and his death--and to look at his stoic image with his Marine cover pulled down to just above his eyes and conclude that there was something special or different about this man and that his final act of heroism was simply an expected act in keeping with his nature. However, I believe this diminishes the significance of his actions. I also believe placing Rafael Peralta on a pedestal apart and above ourselves is a defense mechanism. This way we can say to ourselves, "of course, he did that, he was different than you and me." This way we can avoid the self-realization that, no matter how much we'd like to think that we would act as Sgt. Peralta did, there is very little likelihood that we would have actually done what he did.
Here is Rafael Peralta in camouflage with his friends Brenda and Eduardo Saldivar and in red, signing to everyone "hang loose." Cpl. Saldivar and his wife were very close to Peralta having been stationed in Hawaii together. Rafael had already made plans to celebrate the first birthday party of the Saldivar's yet unborn child when he returned from Iraq.
Sgt. Rafael Peralta epitomized what it means to be a Marine and what it means to be an American. He joined the Marine Corps the day after he received his green card and became a U.S. Citizen while in uniform. In his parent's home, on his bedroom walls hung only three items: the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights and his boot camp graduation certificate. Before he set out for Fallujah, he wrote to his 14-year old brother, "be proud of me, bro...and be proud of being an American."
On November 15, 2004, Sgt. Rafael Peralta volunteered to go on the very dangerous mission of clearing the city of Fallujah of terrorists house by house, room by room. At the fourth house of the morning, the second room, Peralta lead his "stack" of six marines throwing open the door of the room to be cleared only to be met by three hiding terrorists waiting with their AK-47s. Peralta was immediately struck with multiple rounds impacting his chest and face and though mortally wounded managed to jump away so as to clear the line of fire for the other Marines. While automatic gun fire was exchanged one of the terrorists rolled a grenade into the room next to where Peralta lay dying. While I and any other person just shot in the face would be wholly self-absorbed in our own pain, Peralta had the presence of mind and strength of will to commit one last selfless act. He reached out grabbed the grenade and tucked it under himself--saving the lives of four Marines nearby.
I wanted to post these photos of Rafael to put another face on him--one of just a regular guy, an ordinary person. I believed that doing this would highlight even further the extraordinary nature of his actions on the battlefield. However, despite the images of Sgt. Rafael Peralta hanging out with his friends, drink in hand, lei around his neck, signing hang-loose, I still can't describe him as an ordinary guy or, otherwise, place him in any category with myself. But, I also now realize that his life and actions can never be diminished.
Sgt. Rafael Peralta was, at the same time, both a regular guy and a true hero. It is a contradiction that every friend of freedom and democracy should be glad existed in this amazing man. God Bless you Rafael Peralta.
[Update 8/2/06] This History Channel is going to be doing a one hour documentary honoring the valor of Sgt. Rafael Peralta. More info here.
[Update 10/19/06] Cpl. Eddie Rodriguez a good/best friend of Sgt. Peralta sent me the below photo taken at one of their favorite restaurants, Mexico Lindo, in Hawaii.
From left to right: Cpl. Saldivar Lopez, Sgt. Rafael Peralta, and Cpl. Eddie Rodriguez.
Posted by Don
Amen.
Your trackbacks appear to be hosed.
Thank you for the insight into a great American Hero!
Sgt. Peralta's actions were typical of marines who have served in conflicts since the genesis of this band of brothers. Semper fi, Sgt Peralta, as you look down from above. You have honored your Corps and your Country.
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
Don,
Thanks for showing the hidden side of one Real Man, SGT Peralta. I too lived in Hawaii for awhile and recognize the military parties we would occasionally hold to welcome, meet with, or say farewell to friends, new and old. I wish that I had known SGT Peralta once in my life. But my life is immeasurably better because of his service and because of what kind of man he was. God bless him. Always Faithful.
Subsunk
I did...
Came here from Mudville Gazette. I blogged about Sgt Peralta a while back because I believe he deserves to be honored and I wish more people knew about him. Thank you for posting these pictures so we can see how he lived. America lost a great hero. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. God bless his family and friends.
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
His actions were quick, smart, noble and saved the lives of his fellow soldiers. My sympathies to the Saldivar family.
Is there any doubt that we lost one of the best and brightest here..God bless you Sgt. Peralta
Sgt. Peralta's story has been one of the most moving of any personal story during this conflict. I first learned of him as he was first listed KIA as I was just starting up a group of women with a mission to ensure a Condolence Book for every family of every fallen Marine.
I have followed the news stories... and have found this young Marine to be such a wonderful example of fortitude and focus. He became head of his household on THE 9/11 because his father was killed in a work related accident. He took that duty very seriously. He lost his fiance less than a year before his own death when she was killed in a car accident while attending her own mother's funeral in Mexico.
I wonder if his own losses of loved ones was what made him SO ADAMANT to care for "his" Marines the way he did... at such personal risk... not in a foolish way, but in the way of a man with true Sight.
I read once that a family member expected that her brother would soon be forgotten. I can say, Good Lord I hope not. I tell his story every chance I get. I homeschool my children... and they hear about him... and I would hope that every school teacher in America would learn about this man and teach their students what becoming an American is all about.
Sgt. Peralta seemed to grasp that. He seemed to know what he was fighting for. LOVE.
~ With warmth and respect for Sgt. Peralta... MY American Hero.
Mrs. Laura Temple
Semper Fi Mater of 2 Marines
"No Greater Love hath he than to lay down his life for his friends."
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
God bless this Marine and his family...hero doesn't even begin to define this man.
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.
My sympthies to the Saldivar family for they also paid a very high price. The pride they must feel hopefully offsets to some extent the pain of their loss. The respect deserved by this man cannot be measured. Know that he will never be forgotten by those who trully count.
"Semper Fi". Viet Nam 69.
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.
I also had the provilege of knowing Rafael, he was a brave man, a great friend, that cared about everyone else. Last time I saw him was back in June and he came over to San Diego and heard from him until October which is when he left to Iraq. He was always in my thougts and prayers, before he left he gave me some things he got for me in Hawaii, I was very happy. He was making so many plans, but at the same time he would tell me that he was getting ready to leave and not come back. I'm miss him and I admire what he did for everyone. I know God has him in a better place, and in my heart he will always be. My sympathy for his family and everyone that knew him and cared about him. I also have a few pictures he used to send me while he was in Hawaii also a special picture of me and him. God Bless and always remember him as a HERO.
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
If the youth of America needs a hero or an American to look up to, here he is...Semper Fi Marine, Semper Fi...
United States Marine Corps 1968--1980...
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.
Semper Fi Devildog
You lived and died with honor
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
I remember Rafa, he was a kid that everyone liked because he had a certain personality that was unique and at the same so new to us as kids. To hear of his death was shocking because it had been so long since i'd seen him. He was a good kid and he deserves to be called a HERO for what he did. You will be missed Rafa by all of us back home and around the world.
God bless you and let me in when i knock on heavens door!
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
Well Rafa dont think we forgot we celebrated you birthday and we felt you just as close as the last time we were together. Happy Birthday and God may keep you close to him as well.
i loved that poem and months later im still trying to move on from the loss of such a wonderful man
What can I say...I know that you know that that not being able to see you or hear your voice telling me that everything is going to be o.k has been very hard. I MISS U! To me you were what held me up and now that I dont have you im struggling to do things on my own. But I do promise, that im never going to forget you and that i'm going to reach the goals that you were always excitied to hear about. Thank You for never doubting of me...I can't find the words to tell you how much u mean and will always mean to me. I can't say that im really happy to be able to see that people see you as a hero, but i know that in heaven your proud of being a U.S MARINE and are happy to see that to everyone you are our HERO. I LOVE U AND MISS U RAFITA!
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
Dear Ricardo,
I'm 43-years-old with a wife and six kids. My kids are young...too young to serve as your brother did. In our family we honor those who have given their lives to secure our happiness. Today we honor your brother, Rafael Peralta.
But more than that, we honor you Ricardo, your sister Karen, and all of your family. One thing I do know for sure; it's extremely difficult to be the loved one left behind.
What your family has given for my family and our nation is far more that we ever have the right to ask. I know you didn't have much choice in the matter. If you had, Rafael would be with you today.
Today we will set a place for Rafael at our table. We will tell our children of his faithfulness and his sacrifice.
We will tell them of your sacrifice and pray to God for your comfort and strength, and for all of your family today.
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
I also had the great honor to work with this awsome Marine. We both where at Mcrdsd H&S BN. Peralta was always happy helping everyone in need. Rafa you well be missed my fellow Sgt. Sgt Peralta will now go down in Marine Corps history as one of the greatest heros. I had the the honor also to see this great Marine lay to rest SEMPER FI DEVIL DOG. You WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN RAFA
thanks for the good times. To the Peralta family Rafa will never be forgotten. in memory of a great Mexican who gave his life for this great country we call USA you well never be forgotten.
Sgt C
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
Rafa,
Well will always miss you . Its been 9 months already since you left us. We still remember you had alot of plans for Jr's birthday party. But you just could not be here in person to celebrate mijo's 1st birthday, but he will remember you by pictures and the video we have of your birthday 2 yrs ago. We miss you alot and always remember all the crazy things we wnt through. We are still in touch with your family just like you would of liked. Thanks for everything you did, ut I know for a fact that we rather have you here with us today. I still remember when you wanted to feel my stomach when I was pregnant and JR kicked you and you said that he had to be a Soccer player. And we will put him in a Soccer team . We miss you . Take care and receive huggs and kisses from your friends who miss you . Sanchez, Torrez, Chavo, Lopez, Zamora, Rodriguez, Guyzik, Walito, AND myself.And all the frineds you left behind in HAWAII. Aloha from your fellow Marines in Hawaii