During a combat operation in Afghanistan, Master Sgt. Torian’s unit came under heavy machine gun and underslung grenade-launcher fire. Maneuvering across open terrain, Torian exposed himself to enemy fire in order to establish better satellite communications and observe the enemy’s maneuvers. He then effectively coordinated multiple rotary-wing close air support missions with rockets, guns, and a hellfire missile. Two weeks later, he was killed in action. “What I admire most about Aaron was his relentless, competitive spirit; unrivaled work capacity and zest for life, family and friends,” said Charlie Goodyear, a long-time friend. “All these things made him an incredible Marine, friend, husband, and father to his family.”
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May God bless him and his family from an old Vietnam Era Marine combat veteran, Semper Fi.
He did what he did for those who stood there with him. He was unable to do any less and would always do more for his people. That is a short answer to what a Marine leader is and why he does what he does for his Marines. That’s who we are, that’s what is in our hearts—he was and will always be a leader of Marines—and we will always follow. Semper Fi Marine!!
We all gave, he gave his all! God bless Master Sgt. Torian and his family. Rest In Peace brother! Semper Fi from a VN era Marine.
And this Marine’s MOH is where?
Exactly! Others were awarded the MOH for the same selfless action.
RIP, MSgt Torian.
He ranks right up there with all those Marines that are spoken about for their heroic actions! Daly, Basilone, Meyer, Puller, etc…the list goes on! I know I’m proud to have served and have the title of Marine! Best warriors and most elite fighting force ever! Semper Fi Marines!
God Bless, RIP, and Semper Fi brother.
This has nothing to do with your last letter but I did not mine how else to get to To Sgt Gritt . Sir you are really killing us old retirees. We can’t afford your prices. We made your company the multi million dollar company what it is today. Well maybe not all of it . l know you busted your hump I am not meaning to put you down but you are forgetting about the US the way they did in the 60 s and 70 s. When we came home.
Sgt Peralta was denied the MOH for one simple reason: politics. The powers-that-be simply did not want the Marine Corps to have another MOH. Recently DOD looked at the Navy Crosses, Distinguished Service Medals, etc., with an eye of upgrading them if circumstances warranted. NOTHING. There’s an officer with the Navy Cross who did the same thing a Marine did near Chu Lai in Viet Nam, clearing out a trench line, and THAT Marine won the MOH. Same thing for the two young men who got vaporized when defending a check point againt a truck laden with explosives. General Allen got them Navy Crosses and they should have been upgraded to the MOH.Who said life was fair. But, we’re Marines and that’s the greatest award you could ever get. Semper FIdelis!
God bless the Marines. MOH recepient!?
I’m a Vietnam Era Marine and I’m deeply sorry for your loss. Sgt. Peralta should be the recipient of the Medal of Honor for giving his life for his buddies. God bless you and may this young hero rest in peace.
Men like Sgt. Peralta are why we have the greatest country in the world. May he rest in peace. Semper Fi!
Sgt. Peralta should be awarded the Medal of Honor for his final act in this life. Saving his fellow Marines with disregard for his own life! God Bless Him.
I seriously question the make up of the review board or whomever did the recommendation of the award. The Marine Corps should have in place men who can make decisions without prejudice. He deserves to be awarded the Medal of Honor v
Sgt Peralta was not awarded the MOH for the same reasoning that was used in WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. His name identified him as a Mexican immigrant and a minority therefore the review board devalued his service and sacrifice to his fellow Marines. I served as right guide in Plt. 242, MCRD, San Diego, from June to September 1958 and my Senior DI told me he was shipping me back to Tijuana. Incidentally, my folks came to Texas via the Canary Islands in 1737. I served 6 years in the Marines and retired after 27 more in the US Air Force.
God Bless him and his family. A Hero and Great Brother! Semper Fi
Somehow this needs to get to President Trump. This young Marine should have received the Medal of Honor!
I can’t find the words that are fitting for Sgt. Peralta’s bravery and complete thoughtfulness for his Brother Marines. This is what Marine Corps training teaches us, to protect one another. God Bless him. Vince Montagna, Cpl. USMC 54-57
Come on, Command CMSgt Reyes! First thank you for your 33 years of service, but you demean your military record by saying that the review board won’t award the MOH because a name implies a Hispanic. I only checked out the LIVING Vietnam veterans awarded the MOH and three are named Baca, Rodela and Vargas. Of course, overwhelmingly, the MOH is awarded posthumously, so you can conduct a more thorough research and see that many recipients DO have Hispanic names! I did not serve with any MOH recipients, but I DID serve with many outstanding Hispanic Marines in the 60’s and I think that they would cringe to see what you have written.
No words will heal the pain felt by the family – only our Lord can help there. Hopefully, as time passes the heroic actions of this fine Marine will sink in. He was, as our motto states, Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful) to his duty and his fellow Marines. May he rest well in peace.
I’m trying to understand why this courageous marine was not awarded the Medal of Honor! not that the navy cross is anything to scoff at. I have to assume the person who recommended him for the n.c. was a bit bigoted in a sense. I do.not remember any marine from any conflict not being awarded the Medal of Honor for this type of sacrifice. especially Vietnam!
I think “Os” get more MOHs than “Es.”
Come on 0302,, wake up! I was the speaker at the freeway sign dedication for 3 Medal of Honor recipients in Riverside, CA and that was exactly my main point. There is prejudice in the past and in the present. We who have experienced it from light to heavy have to speak up.
Explain to me why this MARINE was not awarded the Medal of Honor…?