[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 16]
[House]
[Page 21780]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     SERGEANT RAFAEL PERALTA, AN IMMIGRANT AND A TRUE AMERICAN HERO

  (Mr. BACA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I stand here to honor a true American hero, 
Sergeant Rafael Peralta, an immigrant that made the ultimate sacrifice 
for this country, using his body as a shield to protect his fellow 
marines from a grenade blast.
  Peralta's story is an example of the heroes that love this Nation. 
For his disregard of personal safety and heroism, his commander 
recommended him to be awarded the Medal of Honor. This was not the 
case. Sergeant Peralta was awarded the Navy Cross, which is also an 
extraordinary feat.
  However, his sacrifice merits that of the Medal of Honor. That is why 
I have joined my colleagues in asking the President to review this 
case.
  Sergeant Peralta is a true example of how much many immigrants in 
America love this country. No one can deny Peralta's love for this 
country, having joined the United States Marine Corps right after 
becoming a legal permanent resident.
  Recognizing the sacrifice of Peralta, America cannot turn her back on 
immigrants.
  I urge my colleagues to support comprehensive immigration reform.

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