medal of honor stars graphic
MEDAL OF HONOR:
Sergeant First Class Leroy A. Petry
Sergeant First Class Leroy A. Petry

MEDAL OF HONOR

Operation Enduring Freedom

""Every human impulse would tell someone to turn away. Every soldier is trained to seek cover. That's what Sergeant Leroy Petry could have done. Instead, this wounded Ranger, this 28-year-old man with his whole life ahead of him, this husband and father of four, did something extraordinary. He lunged forward, toward the live grenade. He picked it up...and threw it back - just as it exploded."

President Barack Obama
Medal of Honor Ceremony, July 12, 2011

Sergeant First Class Leroy A. Petry

Sergeant First Class Leroy A. Petry

Enlisted

September 1999

hometown

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Unit

Headquarters Company, 75th Ranger Regiment (Fort Benning)

Deployments

Operation Enduring Freedom

Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Arthur Petry was born in 1979 in New Mexico. After graduating from Saint Catherine's Indian High School in May 1998, Petry spent the next year working with his father and grandfather at Pecos Public Transportation working in the maintenance department and making signs at AI Signs. In September 1999, Petry enlisted in the United States Army from his hometown in New Mexico, something he wanted to do since he was 7-years-old. Petry then volunteered for the 75th Ranger Regiment because of its reputable history.

After completion of One Station Unit Training, the Basic Airborne Course and the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program - all at Fort Benning - Petry was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. He served as a grenadier, squad automatic rifleman, fire team leader, squad leader, operations sergeant and a weapons squad leader. He has deployed eight times in support of overseas contingency operations with two tours to Iraq and six tours to Afghanistan. At the time of the May 26, 2008 combat engagement, Petry was a Staff Sergeant Squad Leader assigned to Co. D, 2nd Bn., 75th Ranger Regiment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

Family Day 2004 - Spc. Petry and son during the 2004 2/75th Ranger Family Day event.

Petry enlisted in the United States Army from his hometown of Santa Fe, N.M. in September 1999. After completion of One Station Unit Training, the Basic Airborne Course and the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program -- all at Fort Benning, Ga. -- Petry was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.Petry has served as a grenadier, squad automatic rifleman, fire team leader, squad leader, operations sergeant, and weapons squad leader.

Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Arthur Petry is currently assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, with duties as a liaison officer for the United States Special Operations Command Care Coalition—Northwest Region providing oversight to wounded warriors, ill and injured service members and their families.

Petry plans to retire from the Army after many more years of service. Petry enjoys serving in the Army, and has a great opportunity to work with the care coalition; in his words, "If I can't go to the fight, I can help the men who are wounded, injured or ill."

His military education includes the Basic Airborne Course, Combat Life Saver Course, U.S. Army Ranger Course, Warrior Leader Course, Jumpmaster Course, Advanced Leader Course, Senior Leader Course and Combatives Level One Course. His awards and decorations include the Ranger Tab, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, the Parachutist Badge and Canadian Jump Wings.

Staff Sgt. Petry and family in Steilacoom, WA, 2010.

He has also been awarded two Bronze Star Medals, a Purple Heart, three Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, Valorous Unit Award, three Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Combat Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Combat Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 3, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Army Service Ribbon.

Petry and his wife have four children. His father lives in Pecos, N.M., and his mother lives in Bernalillo, N.M. Petry has four brothers and when he is not spending time with his family, he enjoys golf, pheasant hunting and fishing. He is currently attending Pierce College at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., with plans for a Bachelor of Science degree in business management.

Graphic Battle Narrative or Sketch

An extremely close and violent engagement

Learn more about Sergeant First Class Leroy A. Petry heroic actions that saved the lives of two of his teamates.

The Battle

May 26, 2008 | Paktya, Afghanistan

The distinctive unit insignia of the 75th Ranger Regiment, 2nd Battalion.

The distinctive unit insignia of the 75th Ranger Regiment, 2nd Battalion.

75th Ranger Regiment, 2nd Battalion

Read Unit History

On May 26, 2008, Staff Sergeant Leroy A. Petry, as a member of a Ranger helicopter assault force conducting a daylight rotary wing raid in the vicinity of Paktya, Afghanistan, distinguished himself conspicuously and with gallantry and intrepidness, by risking his life above and beyond the call of duty, during an extremely close and violent engagement with an extraordinarily determined and well armed enemy. During the initial engagement, Staff Sergeant Petry was shot through both legs and another Ranger was hit by enemy fire. Shortly thereafter, an enemy hand grenade landed amid Staff Sergeant Petry and two other Rangers; despite his serious leg wounds, Staff Sergeant Petry unhesitatingly moved to the grenade, grabbed it, and immediately threw the armed grenade away from his fellow Rangers. The grenade detonated shortly after Staff Sergeant Petry threw it away from his fellow Rangers resulting in a catastrophic amputation of his right hand and multiple shrapnel wounds penetrating his body. This deliberate individual act of heroism by Staff Sergeant Petry saved the lives of his fellow comrades and allowed the completion of the mission.

The helicopter assault force was committed to execute a rare daylight raid to accomplish the mission based on the high value of the target and its fleeting nature. Soldiers and helicopter assets were exposed to unusual risk by landing within small arms range of confirmed enemy forces. At 1334z. on May 26, 2008, the assault force began to clear the objective area. Sergeant Petry's task was to locate himself with the platoon headquarters in the target building once it was secured and serve as the senior Non-Commissioned at that site for the remainder of the operation. Recognizing one of the assault squads needed assistance clearing their assigned building, Staff Sergeant Petry relayed to the Platoon Leader that he was moving to the squad to provide additional supervision and guidance during the clearance of the building. Once the residential portion of the building had been cleared, Staff Sergeant Petry took a member of the assault squad, Private First Class Lucas Robinson, to clear the outer courtyard knowing it had not been cleared during the initial clearance. Both Rangers moved into an area of the compound that contained at least three enemy fighters that were prepared to engage friendly forces from opposite ends of the outer courtyard. Staff Sergeant Petry and Private First Class Robinson entered the courtyard and immediately to their front was an opening followed by a small chicken coop. As they moved to cross the open area before the chicken coop, an enemy insurgent accurately engaged them with AK-47 fire from an approximate range of 10 meters. Staff Sergeant Petry was wounded by one round, which went through both of his legs, and Private First Class Robinson was hit in his side plate by a separate round. While wounded and under accurate enemy fire, Staff Sergeant Petry led Private First Class Robinson to the cover of the chicken coop. The enemy continued to deliver accurate sustained fire in the vicinity of the chicken coop as Staff Sergeant Petry rapidly assessed the situation and reported that contact was made and that there were two wounded Rangers in the courtyard of the primary target building.

Upon hearing the report of two wounded Rangers, Sergeant Daniel Higgins, a team leader, immediately moved to the outer courtyard. As Sergeant Higgins was moving to Staff Sergeant Petry's and Private First Class Robinson's position, Staff Sergeant Petry threw a thermobaric grenade in the vicinity of the enemy position. Shortly after the grenade exploded, which created a lull in the enemy fire, Sergeant Higgins arrived at their position and began assessing their wounds. While Sergeant Higgins was evaluating the severity of their wounds, an insurgent threw a grenade over the chicken coop at the three Rangers. The grenade landed approximately ten meters from the three Rangers, knocked them to the ground, and wounded Sergeant Higgins and Private First Class Robinson. Shortly after the grenade exploded, Staff Sergeant James Roberts and Specialist Christopher Gathercole entered the courtyard moving towards the contact. Staff Sergeant Petry, Sergeant Higgins, and Private First Class Robinson were still grouped together on the side of the chicken coop when another grenade landed a few feet from Sergeant Higgins and Private First Class Robinson. Recognizing the threat that the enemy grenade posed to his fellow Rangers, Staff Sergeant Petry, despite his own wounds and with complete disregard for his personal safety, consciously and deliberately risked his life to move to and secure the live enemy grenade and consciously throw the grenade away his fellow Rangers, removing the immediate threat to their lives. As Staff Sergeant Petty released the grenade in the direction of the enemy, preventing the serious injury or death of Sergeant Higgins and Private First Class Robinson, it detonated and catastrophically amputated Staff Sergeant Petry's right hand. With a clear mind, Staff Sergeant Petry assessed his wound and quickly placed a tourniquet on his right arm. Once this was complete he reported that he was still in contact and that he had been wounded again.

Staff Sergeant Petry's selfless and conspicuous gallantry during daylight hours of May 26, 2008 undeniably risked his life while saving the lives of two fellow Rangers and through great individual sacrifice and personal intrepidness enabled the assault force to accomplish its mission. His actions epitomize the Army's Warrior Spirit and have brought great credit to the 75th Ranger Regiment.

Petry had already been shot in both legs when a grenade was thrown over a wall into the compound they were clearing. When it landed just feet away from two of his squadmates he knew exactly what to do. Without hesitating, he picked up the grenade to toss it back. As he released it, it detonated, taking off his right hand. “ If not for Staff Sergeant Petry's actions we would have been seriously wounded or killed. ”

- Sgt. Daniel Higgins, mission squadmmate, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment

2nd Ranger Battalion - The 2nd Ranger Battalion during the 2008 deployment to Afghanistan. (Staff Sgt. Petry 2nd row, 3rd from left). U.S. Army photo.

An extremely close and violent engagement

Learn more about the battle where Staff Sergeant Petry's heroism saved the lives of his fellow comrades and allowed the completion of the mission.

1. Overview

Enemy Compound

On May 26, 2008, Staff Sgt. Leroy A. Petry and the 2nd Platoon, D Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment conducted a high-risk daylight helicopter assault by landing on two helicopter landing zones north and south of the primary target building respectively. The mission was to capture a high-value target believed to be located in the primary target building.

At 1:34 p.m., on May 26, 2008, the assault force began to clear the objective area. Petry's task was to locate himself with the platoon headquarters in the target building once it was secured and serve as the senior noncommissioned officer at that site for the remainder of the operation.

Recognizing one of the assault squads needed assistance clearing their assigned building, Petry relayed to the platoon leader that he was moving to the squad to provide additional supervision and guidance during the clearance of the building.

2. Entry

Five Rangers entering compound
Sergeant First Class Petry

SSG Petry

Private First Class Robinson

PFC Robinson

Staff Sgt. Petry, Pvt. 1st Class Lucas Robinson, Sgt. Daniel Higgins, Staff Sgt. James Roberts, and Spc. Christopher Gathercole, entered through the northeast corner of the outer courtyard and immediately moved to the inner courtyard to clear the buildings. Once the inner courtyard structures were cleared, Petry and Robinson moved to clear the outer courtyard, knowing it had not been cleared during the initial entry.

Both Rangers moved into an area of the compound that contained a then-unknown number of enemy fighters who were prepared to engage friendly forces from opposite ends of the outer courtyard.

Rangers securing inner compound

Rangers securing inner compound

Sergeant First Class Petry and Private First Class Robison move to clear outer coutyard

Sergeant First Class Petry and Private First Class Robison move to clear outer coutyard

3. Contact

Petry and Robinson entered the courtyard and immediately to their front was an opening followed by a small chicken coop. As they moved to cross the open area before the chicken coop, an insurgent shot at them with an AK-47 assault rifle from about 10 meters away.

Sergeant First Class Petry and Private First Class Robinson round corner of outer courtyard

Sergeant First Class Petry and Private First Class Robinson round corner of outer courtyard

Two insurgents appear in the corner

Two insurgents appear in the corner

Insurgent wounds Sergeant First Class Petry and Private First Class Robinson

Petry was wounded by one round, which went through both of his legs, and Robinson was hit in his side plate by a separate round.

While wounded and under accurate enemy fire, Petry led Robinson to the cover of the chicken coop. The enemy continued to deliver accurate sustained fire in the vicinity of the chicken coop as Petry rapidly assessed the situation and reported that contact was made and that there were two wounded Rangers in the outer courtyard of the primary target building.

Sergeant First Class Petry leads Private First Class Robinson to protection of chicken coop

4. Combat

Sergeant Higgins

SGT Higgins

Upon hearing the report of two wounded Rangers, Higgins, still providing security in the inner courtyard, immediately moved to the outer courtyard. As Higgins was moving to Petry and Robinson's position, Petry threw a thermobaric grenade in the vicinity of the enemy position. Shortly after the grenade exploded, which created a lull in the enemy fire, Higgins arrived at their position and began assessing their wounds.

Sergeant Higgins responds to Sergeant First Class Petry and Private First Class Robinson's position

Sergeant Higgins responds to Sergeant First Class Petry and Private First Class Robinson's position

Sergeant First Class Petry throws thermobaric grenade

Sergeant First Class Petry throws thermobaric grenade

While Higgins was evaluating the severity of their wounds, an insurgent threw a grenade over the chicken coop at the three Rangers.

The grenade landed approximately ten meters from the Rangers, and knocked them to the ground when it exploded. It wounded Higgins and Robinson.

Shortly after the grenade exploded, Roberts and Gathercole entered the outer courtyard, moving toward the action.

Grenade lands in vicinity of insurgents

Grenade lands in vicinity of insurgents"

Sergeant Higgins meets up with Sergeant First Class Petry and Private First Class Robinson

Sergeant Higgins meets up with Sergeant First Class Petry and Private First Class Robinson

Enemy throws gernade 10 meters from three Rangers

Enemy throws gernade 10 meters from three Rangers

Gernade explodes and knocks down three Rangers

Gernade explodes and knocks down three Rangers

Sergeant Roberts and Specialist Gathercole moved towards other three Rangers

Sergeant Roberts and Specialist Gathercole moved towards other three Rangers

5. Grenade

Petry, Higgins, and Robinson were still grouped together on the side of the chicken coop when another grenade landed a few feet from Higgins and Robinson. Recognizing the threat that the enemy grenade posed to his fellow Rangers, Petry, despite his own wounds and with complete disregard for his personal safety, consciously and deliberately risked his life by picking up the live enemy grenade and trying to throw it away his fellow Rangers.

Another gernade lands in middle of three Rangers

Another gernade lands in middle of three Rangers"

Sergeant First Class Petry picks up live gernade

Sergeant First Class Petry picks up live gernade

He decided to risk his life to remove the immediate threat to his fellow Rangers' lives. As Petry was throwing the grenade away from his team, which prevented serious injury or death to Higgins and Robinson, it detonated and catastrophically amputated his right hand.

Sergeant First Class Petry removes gernade as it explodes leaving his hand and amputates his hand

With a clear mind, Petry assessed his wound and quickly placed a tourniquet on his right arm. Once this was complete he reported that they were still in contact with the enemy and that he had been wounded again.

Sergeant Roberts arrives and suppresses the enemy behind the chicken coop

Immediately after the blast amputated Petry's hand, Roberts began to engage the enemy behind the chicken coop with small arms fire and a grenade, which effectively suppressed the enemy.

Shortly after that engagement, another enemy on the east end of the courtyard engaged Roberts and wounded Gathercole. Higgins and Robinson returned fire and killed the enemy.

Another enemy on the east end of the courtyard engaged Sergeant Roberts and wounds Specialist Gathercole

Another enemy on the east end of the courtyard engaged Sergeant Roberts and wounds Specialist Gathercole

Sergeant Higgins and Private First Class Robinson return fire and kill the enemy

Sergeant Higgins and Private First Class Robinson return fire and kill the enemy

6. Conclusion

Sgt. 1st Class Jerod Staidle, the platoon sergeant, and Spc. Gary Depriest, the platoon medic, arrived moments later in the outer courtyard. After directing Depriest to treat Gathercole, Staidle moved to Petry's position. Staidle and Higgins assisted Petry as he moved to the casualty collection point. Once at the casualty collection point, Petry maintained the presence of mind to inform the medics about his injuries, in order to assist them with treatment.

Petry also informed his fellow Rangers of the situation in the courtyard before they moved to destroy the remaining enemy. Just before the platoon evacuated Petry, Higgins informed him that his actions had saved both the lives of Robinson and his own.

Higgins wrote in a later statement, "if not for Staff Sergeant Petry's actions we [Higgins and Robinson] would have been seriously wounded or killed."

Sergeant First Class Petry and his platoon


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The Ceremony



Heading to the East Room - President Barack Obama and Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry make their way into the East Room for a Medal of Honor presentation ceremony at the White House, July 12, 2011.

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Heading to the East Room - President Barack Obama and Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry make their way into the East Room for a Medal of Honor presentation ceremony at the White House, July 12, 2011.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Arthur Petry applauds during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C. on July 12, 2011.

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Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Arthur Petry applauds during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C. on July 12, 2011.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry listens to a description of his actions by President Barack Obama during a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., July 12, 2011.

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Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry listens to a description of his actions by President Barack Obama during a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., July 12, 2011.

President Barack Obama stands at attention prior to presenting the Medal of Honor to Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry at the White House in Washington, D.C., July 12, 2011.

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President Barack Obama stands at attention prior to presenting the Medal of Honor to Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry at the White House in Washington, D.C., July 12, 2011.

Medal presentation - President Barack Obama awards Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry the Medal of Honor at the White House in Washington, D.C., July 12, 2011.

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Medal presentation - President Barack Obama awards Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry the Medal of Honor at the White House in Washington, D.C., July 12, 2011.

Petry receives the Medal of Honor - Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry receives a standing ovation from President Barack Obama and guests in the east room of the White House, July 12, 2011.

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Petry receives the Medal of Honor - Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry receives a standing ovation from President Barack Obama and guests in the east room of the White House, July 12, 2011.



“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. ”

President Barack Obama

White House Ceremony, July 12, 2011

Ranger

Rangers Lead the Way

The 75th Ranger Regiment is the U.S. Army's premier large-scale special operations force, and it is made up of some of the most elite Soldiers in the world. The Rangers specialize in joint special operations raids and joint forcible entry operations.


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