More members of Congress ask for Peralta review

More members of Congress ask for Peralta review
By William Cole - The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted : Tuesday Sep 30, 2008 16:27:52 EDT

Hawaii’s congressional delegation has added its voices to those seeking a presidential review of the Pentagon’s decision to award the late Marine Sgt. Rafael Peralta — whose body shielded others from a grenade blast — a Navy Cross instead of the Medal of Honor.

“It is our understanding that several members of the California delegation have written expressing their concerns and requesting a review of his case,” states a letter sent Friday by the Hawaii delegation to the White House. “We would also like to convey our disappointment in this decision and strong support in favor of such a review.”

The letter is signed by the four members of Hawaii’s delegation: U.S. Sens. Daniel K. Inouye and Daniel K. Akaka, and U.S. Reps. Mazie Hirono and Neil Abercrombie. All are Democrats.

Peralta, 25, a Kane’ohe Bay Marine who volunteered to undertake house clearing in the Battle of Fallujah, Iraq, with other 1st Battalion, 3rd Regiment Marines, was killed on Nov. 15, 2004.

An Iraqi grenade was tossed into the room, and multiple witnesses stated Peralta pulled the grenade to his body. Robert Reynolds, one of the Marines in the room, said Peralta’s action saved five Marines that day.


Rest of article at: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2008/09/marine_peralta_update_093008w/%2e