Leroy Arthur Petry is a retired member of the United States Army and a recipient of the prestigious Medal of Honor. He was presented the Medal of Honor for acts of courage undertaken during a conflict in eastern Afghanistan in 2008.
Background
Petry was inspired to follow his cousin’s footsteps into the military after he saw him enlist in the United States Army as a Ranger. Upon graduation from high school in 1999, he joined the service and attended basic combat training at Fort Benning, Georgia. After completing advanced individual training, Sergeant Petry deployed multiple times, serving in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. A versatile service member, he held numerous positions during his deployments, including grenadier, squad rifleman, and fireteam leader.
Medal of Honor Citation
“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Staff Sergeant Leroy A. Petry distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy in the vicinity of Paktya Province, Afghanistan, on May 26, 2008. As a Weapons Squad Leader with D Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Staff Sergeant Petry moved to clear the courtyard of a house that potentially contained high-value combatants. While crossing the courtyard, Staff Sergeant Petry and another Ranger were engaged and wounded by automatic weapons fire from enemy fighters. Still under enemy fire, and wounded in both legs, Staff Sergeant Petry led the other Ranger to cover. He then reported the situation and engaged the enemy with a hand grenade, providing suppression as another Ranger moved to his position. The enemy quickly responded by maneuvering closer and throwing grenades. The first grenade explosion knocked his two fellow Rangers to the ground and wounded both with shrapnel. A second grenade then landed only a few feet away from them. Instantly realizing the danger, Staff Sergeant Petry, unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his safety, deliberately and selflessly moved forward, picked up the grenade, and in an effort to clear the immediate threat, threw the grenade away from his fellow Rangers. As he was releasing the grenade it detonated, amputating his right hand at the wrist and further injuring him with multiple shrapnel wounds. Although picking up and throwing the live grenade grievously wounded Staff Sergeant Petry, his gallant act undeniably saved his fellow Rangers from being severely wounded or killed. Despite the severity of his wounds, Staff Sergeant Petry continued to maintain the presence of mind to place a tourniquet on his right wrist before communicating the situation by radio in order to coordinate support for himself and his fellow wounded Rangers. Staff Sergeant Petry’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, 75th Ranger Regiment, and the United States Army.” – Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Subsequent Service
Sergeant Petry continued to serve in the United States Army for several years after his action in Afghanistan. On July 12, 2011, President Barack Obama presented him with a Medal of Honor during a special ceremony at the White House. In his award presentation, President Obama said, “The service of Leroy Petry speaks to the very essence of America – that spirit that says, no matter how hard the journey, no matter how steep the climb, we don’t quit. We don’t give up. Leroy lost a hand and those wounds in his legs sometimes make it hard for him to stand. But he pushes on…this is the stuff of which heroes are made. This is the strength, the devotion that makes our troops the pride of every American. And this is the reason that – like a soldier named Leroy Petry – America doesn’t simply endure, we emerge from our trials stronger, more confident, with our eyes fixed on the future.”
Petry retired from the military in 2014 as a Master Sergeant.
How to support the Medal of Honor mission
- Learn more about the Congressional Medal of Honor Society at cmohs.org or find them on Instagram |Facebook
- Participate in Medal of Honor Day on March 25 by sharing a recipient’s story
- Support veteran hiring and transition programs in your workplace
- Teach younger generations about the values of courage, sacrifice, and service
Medal of Honor Month isn’t just about recognizing history. It’s about keeping the mission alive for the future. Observe Medal of Honor March on We Are The Mighty here.