| View |
Rafael Peralta also understood that America faces dangerous enemies, and he knew the sacrifices required to defeat them. An immigrant from Mexico, he enlisted in the Marine Corps the day after he got his green card. Just before the battle of Fallujah, he wrote his 14-year-old brother, "We are going to defeat the insurgents. Be proud of me, I'm going to make history and do something that I always wanted to do." A few days later, Sergeant Peralta gave his life to save his fellow Marines. |
George W. Bush |
President of the United States |
20050528 |
| View |
There are still heroes in America, and Sgt. Rafael Peralta [is] one of them. |
Oliver North |
Retired Marine LtCol. and Media Figure |
20041216 |
| View |
Sgt. Rafael Peralta is dead, but the story of his sacrifice to save fellow Marines will live long in Marine Corps lore. |
Virgil Fernandez |
Author and Publisher |
20041216 |
| View |
Sgt. Rafael Peralta had built a reputation as a noncommissioned officer who always put his Marines' interests ahead of his own. |
Gordon Trowbridge |
Staff Writer, Air Force Times |
20041129 |
| View |
It was my distinct honor to have led these men in combat. Their performance was nothing short of magnificent and is the stuff of Marine Corps legend. |
LtCol. Michael Ramos |
Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines |
20050512 |
| View |
Today, we honor the life, service, and act of bravery of a man who personified our core values. |
LtGen. Richard Zilmer |
Commnding General, III Expeditionary Force |
20070922 |
| View |
Peralta was also a Marine's Marine, from the military tattoo on his arm to the medals, commendations and plaques with the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence posted around his bed at his family's home. |
Caitlin Rother |
Staff Writer, San Diego Union-Tribune |
20041121 |
| View |
We would have hired him the second he left the United States Marine Corps. He had the dedication and courage to do great things, and he also believed in what this great country is all about. |
William Lansdowne |
Chief of Police, San Diego Police Department |
20060424 |
| View |
You’re still here, don’t forget that. Tell your kids, your grandkids, what Sgt. Peralta did for you and the other Marines today. |
Cpl. Richard Mason |
Intantryman with Company A, 1/3 |
20041202 |
| View |
Somebody gives you another chance at life, you never forget that. I'm absolutely convinced that the rest of us wouldn't be here if he hadn't done what he did. |
Sgt. Nicholas Jones |
Intantryman with Company A, 1/3 |
20070513 |
| View |
Sgt. Rafael Peralta told his men he would die for them. Then he went out and proved it. |
Steve Liewer |
Staff Writer, San Diego Union-Tribune |
20071111 |
| View |
He saved half my fire team. |
Cpl. Brannon Dyer |
Infantryman with Company A, 1/3 |
20041129 |