May 21, 2026
Mr. Issa (for himself and Mr. Vargas) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services
To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Rafael Peralta for acts of valor during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Sergeant Rafael Peralta Medal of Honor Authorization Act
.
Sec. 2. Findings; Sense of Congress
(a) Findings
Congress finds the following:
(1)
On November 15, 2004, during combat operations in Fallujah, Iraq, Sergeant Rafael Peralta, United States Marine Corps, served as a squad leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
(2)
During a house-clearing operation in the Second Battle of Fallujah, Sergeant Peralta was mortally wounded by enemy gunfire while leading Marines engaged in close-quarters combat against insurgent forces.
(3)
Moments after being mortally wounded, an enemy grenade landed in the room occupied by Sergeant Peralta and fellow Marines.
(4)
Multiple eyewitness Marines reported that Sergeant Peralta consciously and intentionally pulled the grenade beneath his body, absorbing the blast and shielding nearby Marines from death or serious bodily harm.
(5)
The actions of Sergeant Peralta reflected conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the Armed Forces of the United States.
(b) Sense of Congress
It is the sense of Congress that—
(1)
Sergeant Rafael Peralta’s actions on November 15, 2004, exemplify the highest ideals of duty, courage, and sacrifice;
(2)
Marines whose lives were saved by the actions of Sergeant Peralta continue to bear witness to his valor and selflessness; and
(3)
the United States owes a solemn obligation to ensure that acts of extraordinary heroism receive full and fair consideration for the Medal of Honor regardless of administrative delay or statutory limitation.
Sec. 3. Authorization for award of Medal of Honor to Sergeant Rafael Peralta
(a) Authorization
Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in sections 8298(a) and 8300 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the President is authorized to award the Medal of Honor, under section 8291 of such title, to Rafael Peralta for the acts of valor described in subsection (b).
(b) Acts of valor described
The acts of valor described in this subsection are the actions of Rafael Peralta as a member of the Marine Corps in Fallujah, Iraq, on November 15, 2004.