Rafael Peralta, 25

I had read this story three times now. I read it when just happen in November 2004 on L. A. Times it touched my heart very deep. This young man is a HERO with capital letters no doubt about it . GOD BLESS PEOPLE LIKE HIM .

Que dios lo tenga en su santa gloria

God is punishing me, I don't know why. — Rosa Peralta, mother
Dear Mrs. Peralta,
God is not punishing you. We all lose loved ones. It's a part of life. It's probably the WORST PART of life, but it is still a part of life.
God is not punishing you.
God is love and does not "punish!" He is crying with you over the loss of your son! Accept the peace He has for you. God wants to comfort you in your loss.
I hope you accept this.
What kind of God would punish you when you can say you don't know why? That doesn't even make sense! Did you punish your son for no reason? GOD IS YOUR FATHER!GOD IS NOT PUNISHING YOU!

I remember Sgt. Peralta always talking about getting into the fight and how he wanted to be part of what was going on Iraq. I knew him from the Depot(MCRD) and ironically working funeral details. He was the type of person who put others before himself. I am not surprised by what he did in Fallujah. He sacrificed this life in order to save this fellow Marines. I have read his story and I truly believe he should have received the Medal of Honor for his actions. Many Marines and servicemembers who did similiar acts of heroism were awarded the MOH so why not him? I really hope Washington sees the light and gives this Marines the recognition he deserves. Rest well my friend you have done your duty to our Corps and to your country. May we see you in the future. God bless and Semper Fi.

This Marine was a hero the day he signed his name to his enlistment papers! But the sacrifice he made to save his fellow Marines is unquestionable! Regardless of political affiliation, the President needs to make this right! He deserves the Medal of Honor! If Obama can recieve the Nobel Prize (tounge in cheek) lol...for nothing, this young man having made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country and the lives of his buddies...no doubt deserves it. Obama...do the right thing! Mrs. Peralta...I am so sorry for the pain you are feeling. Please know that your son had a special place reserved with GOD in heaven and is relaxing at peace with HIM! Be strong and fight this fight! It is worth it! I know there are many others who are standing with you! GOD bless you and your family. And to Rafael...my family sleeps well at night knowing strong and brave men like you are standing in harms way to keep us safe! Thank you!!!!

Peralta was a great citizen, a great friend, but most of all a great Marine. Peralta always gave his all to the Corps and his Marines. I met Rafa in Hawaii and we became really good friends I can just remember that day when we celebrated him last birthday. We had a blast. Rodriguez , Sanchez, Echavarria, Torrez,Guyzik, Saldivar (my husband) and myself always together celebrating anything and everything. We really miss you our friend. You will never be forgotten. And my baby will always know of you and your sacrifice for those other 5 Marines. We all miss you a whole lot, but you should know all of us Marines will one day met again. GOD BLESS YOU our friend.
SEMPER FI!!

I grew up with Rafa and I knew him since we were all about 13. He was a good kid with a good heart. He would come over to my house and my Dad would ask him to clean the garage. Rafa being the standup guy that he is gladly helped just because he had been asked. Rafa would give his shirt off his back if you needed it, and he ended up giving the ultimate sacrifice. His life for the life of 5 other Marines.

paralta guzman was my best friend in boot camp. He always had my back and we motivated each other to get through boot camp. I saw he had a big heart and would never give up and give is all everytime. I remember during the crucible we would hear stories of brave marines that made the ultimate sacrafice to save others.I'am very proud to say i knew such a brave man.My prayers are with you always brother. Your memory will live on forever. god bless. semper fi

Family Peralta, Family USMC, Family U.S. Military members and all U.S. Law abiding and God fearing American citizens, We have lost yet another true American HERO! The Ultimate Sacrifice is something words cannot describe. The loss is massive. You Sir are with God. Every member of the military needs to hear of your's and others like you - The whole story! We military members AD, Ret. and Vet's. truly value and admire your heroism and are extremely in awe and proud of you! In our great nation, What badly needs to be stated is this fact: Men and Women like you Sir, are our true Heroes, Not these over paid, ridiculously pampered pathetic and arrogant athletes and actors, of whom both they and the general public think of as real American heroes. In reality,They are nothing! Sir, they could not stand in your shadow! We salute you and join the push for the Commander In Chief to sign legislation ordering the post humous award and ceremony of The Medal of Honor . ! God Bless you and all our Military Members as they struggle to protect this nation and show the ever changing world Ameican Military Members are refined and the best in the WORLD, BAR NONE...!

To the family of Rafael. My prayers are with you in your great loss. I read many stories that people wrote about your son. He was an amazing person. I have a nephew that was in the Marines and served 3 times in Iraq. He was also in the battle of Faluja. He made it back only by the Grace of God but is hurting bad on all that he saw and experienced. I will pray that the president will see that what your son did is deserving of this medal. My heart goes out to you, and please remember that God does not punish his people in this manner but our God gives us strength to endure during times as these. Look to Him and He will see you through. Tony Luna

Rafael served with me as a member of my squad throughout his first couple years in the Marines. I was his squad leader and he was always reliable. When everyone else would complain, he always seemed ok with things. He truly was a marine and anyone who served with him is proud to have. Rest in peace "PG"...Semper Fidelis.

I served with PG in Fox co. 2/8 For 4 years. We fought in Iraq in 2003 together. My best memory of him was Albania. He knows what I'm talking about. I am a better man for knowing him. Do not feel sad for Rafael, but respect him. He did what he did because that is who he is....So I beg you do not take that away from him with sympathy. R.I.P "PG"

the good ones always go r.i.p. sgt thank you

On this memorial day I sit here and Honor you my friend. I know what you did I think about it everyday. I randomly run into Marines here and there who knew who you were whether in 1/3 or 2/8. You were my first roommate in the fleet. Well you and Snack. Great experience A hard headed Italian kid from Chicago a country boy from Indiana and you my friend the Mexican connection. I remember coming home at like 2 a.m to you jamming Spanish music.. Ahhhh the good old days.. Well God Bless and Semper Fi Brother See you eventually.....

We were served together in bootcamp and School of Infantry.I will always cherish the connection of brothers we immediately established.May God care for his family RIP RPG

Hey PG i just found out about this! This is really terrible, i had no idea until now. I know your in a better place man, we had some good times in 2/8. It never leaves me, thank you for giving the ultimate sacrifice! Semper Fi buddy.

Rafeal Peralta's case needs to be reopened ASAP. I have read many other MOH cases and his case meets the criteria! Rafeal should be in the Hall of Heroes forever.

RIP Rafael Semper Fi

Dear Peralta family, I just wanted to express my deep sympathy for your loss. I know that at times of grief like this, one may blame God for their unhappiness. Many God-fearing people in the Bible asked the same type of question as to why God allows such suffering. Habakkuk was one of those people who did this in the Bible. But, God did not scold him instead he helped him and us to understand the real reasons behind the tragedies we experience. God is LOVE 1 John 4:8 and does not cause bad things to happen.
But, his enemy, Satan the Devil, is the one who causes suffering in the world (1 John 5:19) However,Jehovah God promises us that he will undo the evils of Satan. His son will call forth all those who rest in death to a resurrection (John 5:28,29) They will live again. God promises to destroy the wicked so that the meek will inherit a paradise earth ( Psalms 37:10,11) We pray for his will to be done on earth as in heaven. Jehovah God's will has always been that man would live as perfect humans, forever young, taking care of a paradise earth. Jesus taught us that for right, your son is just sleeping. But what a joy it will be when we can welcome him back to a new earth with peaceful, happy people, as God originally intended for Adam and Eve's offspring.