Issa seeks Congressional Medal of Honor for San Diego Marine hero Rafael Peralta

Rep. Darrell Issa has introduced legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Medal of Honor to Marine Sgt.

Rafael Peralta, a Mexican immigrant who grew up in San Diego and graduated from Morse High School. Peralta was killed during a house-clearing operation in Fallujah, Iraq, on November 15, 2004, during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Despite being wounded by enemy gunfire, he saw a grenade nearby and pulled it beneath his body to shield fellow Marines from the blast. The Pentagon has determined that Peralta's actions merit consideration for the Medal of Honor, but Congress must waive the statutory time limitation before the President can act.

Issa's bill specifically authorizes the President to award the medal regardless of existing time limits. Rep.

Juan Vargas echoed support, citing Peralta's heroism, selflessness, and sacrifice. Marines who survived the battle have long testified to Peralta's valor, and Issa emphasized that Congress has a solemn duty to ensure such acts of valor receive the recognition they deserve.