A hero.

PFC Peralta's bravery does deserve the highest honor.

Army Mom, you and some others (I think) have been trying to point out the fact that most of the American Press would rather print stories designed to tear down our servicemembers and their efforts, rather than build them up.

And since that's how the Vietnam War was finally won (by the pacifists), they think that it's possible to win this one that way, too.

If you ignore the truth long enough, and report only the lies - people will only know of the lies, and believe them to be true.

While I can't say that we "need" more stories about Peralta and his fellow Marines (we don't need more stories about our children dying), I can say that we need more stories about the good that our soldiers, sailors, and marines are doing, and fewer about the "bad apples" and those who fall back on lousy training (like PFC England, etc).

There is an awful lot of good that goes unreported.

wow, im glad this topic came back, im glad i read it, Rafael Peralta, a brave man indeed. him and his kind should all be honored emulation, its not much to say that he is a great man, but what if we all had that sort of love, that sort of courage, that sort of patriotism? where would the world, and our great country, be, if we all chose to be like Sergeant Rafael Peralta?

Hm, I've read about MoH reciepients that seemed to have done, to me anyway, less heroic feats than Peralta, and they were awarded the Medal. There is absolutely no reason Peralta shouldn't be awarded, posthumously, the Medal of Honor, to honor his name, his bravery and so his family can be proud of what he did for his new home. Sometimes there is no justice.

Don't be jumping the gun. Just because there is no word on it yet doesn't mean he won't get the MoH. It is a very long and involved process.

Didn't mean to sound so drastic, I'd be very happy if this man and his heroism is honored. I hope it happens.

Originally Posted by 03USMC

The good thing about the Corps is that Sergeant Peralta will never be forgotten. His story and his sacrifice will be remembered as long as the Marine Corps exists. It will told to recruits at MCRD, it will be told at SOI, he will be remembered in his unit. Most importantly it will told by the Marines he saved.

And will the US Government adequately compensate families of these very brave men who make these incredibly brave sacrifices????

Originally Posted by Strongbow

And will the US Government adequately compensate families of these very brave men who make these incredibly brave sacrifices????

I'm not sure where you are trying to go with that question but I do know that various charities have actually moved away from paying the families of dead soldiers since new legislation increased the amount and promptness of compensation to such an extent that the charities are no longer neccessary in that regard.

I have read that the Gov't increased the amount the family of a dead soldier recieves from $200,000 to $500,000, or at least it was in legislation. I don't how if it's only for those dying in a combat zone, KIA or accidents, or applies towards everyone serving in in the military.

I investigated on MoH recommendations, and found this http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn20...ef/20045143251

Bump -- just an FYI, the combat correspondent who wrote the piece on Sgt. Peralta, Cpl. Travis J. Kaemmerer, was sadly killed in a car accident earlier this week.

http://www.marinetimes.com/story.php...25-2017392.php