Pentagon says top award not merited
By Steve Liewer
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

September 18, 2008

Family and friends of a San Diego Marine killed when he smothered a grenade to save his buddies in Iraq said they're angry over the Pentagon's decision yesterday to award him the Navy Cross instead of the Medal of Honor.

The mother of Sgt. Rafael Peralta said she may reject the medal, the military's second-highest award for valor. She said a general told her that her son's nomination was tainted because he had been first shot in the face and torso by friendly fire.

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