This bill authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Rafael Peralta for his extraordinary valor during Operation Iraqi Freedom. It specifically waives statutory time limitations that would otherwise prevent this recognition. Congress finds that on November 15, 2004, during combat in Fallujah, Iraq, Sergeant Peralta, after being mortally wounded, consciously pulled an enemy grenade beneath his body. This selfless act absorbed the blast and shielded fellow Marines from death or serious injury. The bill asserts that his actions exemplify the highest ideals of duty, courage, and sacrifice, meriting the Medal of Honor.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
Armed Forces and National Security
Sergeant Rafael Peralta Medal of Honor Authorization Act
USA119th CongressHR-8973| House
| Updated: 5/21/2026
This bill authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Rafael Peralta for his extraordinary valor during Operation Iraqi Freedom. It specifically waives statutory time limitations that would otherwise prevent this recognition. Congress finds that on November 15, 2004, during combat in Fallujah, Iraq, Sergeant Peralta, after being mortally wounded, consciously pulled an enemy grenade beneath his body. This selfless act absorbed the blast and shielded fellow Marines from death or serious injury. The bill asserts that his actions exemplify the highest ideals of duty, courage, and sacrifice, meriting the Medal of Honor.