Fallen Heroes -- Should This Man Receive The Medal Of Honor?

Heroic Act, Medal Denied – And A Debate
-- Christian Science Monitor

Defense Secretary Robert Gates questioned a fallen marine's award forcovering a grenade to save his comrades.

Washington - Sgt. Rafael Peralta died in Iraq in 2004 after covering a grenade to save comrades. But today his family and Marine brothers wonder why a grateful nation isn't grateful enough to bestow upon him its highest military honor.

The Pentagon is awarding Sergeant Peralta the Navy Cross, the second-highest award for valor, and not the Medal of Honor, the award for which he was recommended by his fellow Marines, the Navy, and the Marine Corps.

But now the world of battlefield ethos is mixing with Beltway politics as the Peralta family, his Marine brethren, and even members of Congress protest the decision made last week by Defense Secretary Robert Gates to downgrade the award.

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Update: A Website Dedicated To Rafael Peralta

My Comment: The only comment that I can make is to pass on my condolences to the family of Rafael Peralta, and to theirs (and our) loss.