USS Rafael Peralta
The Honolulu Star Advertiser reports that the Navy has named it’s newest Arleigh Burke-class destroyer after SGT Rafael Peralta, the hero of Falluja who shielded his Marines with his own body when an enemy tossed a grenade at them. Peralta had been wounded moments before the incident. He had been recommended for the Medal of Honor but doubts about witness statements resulted in the Medal being downgraded to a Navy Cross;
Peralta’s mother Rose and younger brother, Lance Cpl. Ricardo Peralta, attended the ceremony last week in San Diego.
“It’s really emotional for the family because his nomination for the Medal of Honor has now been turned down more than once,” Peralta said in a Department of Defense article. “But we know that there’s not a single decoration or medal that they can give him that will make us more proud. We’re proud to the fullest.”
The family is still seeking to have Peralta receive the Medal of Honor.
Peralta’s brother, Ricardo is keeping a promise that he made to Rafael at the wake to be a Marine infantryman;
“In boot camp, there are classes where his Navy Cross citation is read, so every Marine hears about him,” Peralta said.
Category: Marine Corps, Navy
Uhrah and Semper Fi Sgt Peralta. He should have won the Medal of Honor. I spoke with one of the Marines he saved while I was at Fallujah and it was quite emotional about the Sgt’s utter heroism.
Finally, Mabus names a ship after a REAL hero.
God bless SGT Peralta.
NHSparky: that’s three in a row, actually.
http://valorguardians.com/blog/?p=35807
Holy crap–I stand corrected.
But it still doesn’t come anywhere near making up for Murtha, Giffords, and Chavez.
NHSparky: agreed. But it’s a nice step or three in the correct direction.
Nicely done…a good ship named for a good man….
Unlike the USS John P. Murtha (LPD-26) which, even with full navigation systems, can’t ever locate the correct direction of travel.
Good decision, and am very happy for the family. Too bad that the honor is tarnished by the horrid decision to name other ships for cowards, but, this is still a good thing.
“SAN DIEGO — A naming ceremony was held at Naval Base San Diego for the Arleigh-Burke class guided- missile destroyers USS John Finn (DDG 113), USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) and USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) Sept. 20.” Full article here: http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/09/23/ship-naming-ceremony-held-for-3-destroyers.html?comp=7000023468025&rank=2
Thoughts:
1. USS RAFAEL PERALTA (DDG-115) sounds like and most certainly will be a good ship. This man-of-war shall bring the fight to the enemy from the sea.
2. On the same day the USS JOGN FINN (DDG-113) was announced. CPO Finn was awarded the MOH for his actions on Dec. 7, 1941. CPO Finn was adored by us Chiefs. I had the honor of meeting him … he was all Chief! CPO Finn died at the young age of 100 in 2010. For more about CPO Finn: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_William_Finn
3. We are still honoring our Viet Nam era brothers: The USS RALPH JOHNSON (DDG-114) is named for the Marine who shielded two fellow Marines from a grenade in March 1968. He was postumously awarded the MOH. Read about this man: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Ralph_Johnson_(DDG-114)
As I sit here and write I can only thank God himself for these men!
Carry on!
This is a long overdue accolade to a very worthy Marine. I couldn’t imagine what the deal was on the MOH fiasco, but I am very happy to see that an honor such as this was given to the man that held his buddies in such high regard that he sacrificed his own life to save them…
You see these things in the movies and hear about them, but when you actually are able to follow something like this the gravity of this incident becomes more real every day.
A proud Army Infantry salute to SSG Peralta.
Outstanding!
Now that’s a ship I would be proud to serve on!