But for 19 of the 24 , the nation failed them . Ruben Navarrette : Sgt . Rafael Peralta , who died in Iraq , deserves the Medal of Honor . He says Peralta , by many accounts , smothered a grenade to save comrades . Score: 6 Navarrette : Many , including his comrades , think he deserves the medal .
Ruben Navarrette : Sgt . Rafael Peralta , who died in Iraq , deserves the Medal of Honor . He says Peralta , by many accounts , smothered a grenade to save comrades . Score: 6 Navarrette : Many , including his comrades , think he deserves the medal .