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Thursday, May 17, 2012

CA - MILITARY: Hunter wants Peralta report

MILITARY Hunter wants Peralta report

OFF THE WIRE
 

Sgt. Rafael Peralta

Rep. Duncan Hunter wants Congress to mandate the Navy provide a full accounting of its handling of a proposed Medal of Honor award for Marine Sgt. Rafael Peralta.
Hunter, R-El Cajon, is pushing an amendment to a defense spending bill directing the Navy "account for all evidence submitted" within 30 days of the legislation becoming law.
Peralta 24, was killed in house-to-house fighting in Iraq in 2004.
Marines with him say that even though he lay mortally wounded, Peralta reached out and dragged an insurgent grenade to his body, saving the lives of fellow troops.
The Marine Corps sought a Medal of Honor the San Diego native, but a Pentagon panel said it could not determine the act was done deliberately.
Peralta was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the second-highest award the service can give.
The Navy recently announced it is naming a destroyer under construction the USS Peralta.
Hunter pressed for that action and continues to lobby for an upgrade in Peralta's award to the Medal of Honor.
His amendment was being considered by the House Rules Committee Wednesday afternoon.