New Mexico’s Congressional Delegation

"It is with great pride that I honor my fellow New Mexican, Sergeant Petry, for his remarkable character, his courage, loyalty, humility and kindness, and it is with the utmost gratitude that I thank him for his extraordinary military service to our country," said U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman.

The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest medal for valor in combat that can be awarded to members of the armed forces. Medals of Honor are awarded sparingly and are bestowed only to the bravest of the brave; and that courage must be well documented.

SFC Leroy Petry, who was born in Santa Fe and attended the now-closed St. Catherine Indian School, was deployed with the 75th Ranger Regiment in May 2008 to capture a high value target near Paktya Province in Afghanistan. During their raid, they were engaged in a firefight with the enemy when several in their regiment were pinned down by small arms fire and grenades. Wounded in both legs by bullet fire and with no thought to his personal safety, Petry grabbed one of the grenades and attempted to toss it away from his fellow soldiers. He would lose his right hand when the grenade exploded, but continue to fight. It was this immense act of bravery that saved the lives of his brothers-in-arms – and illustrated once again to a grateful nation the immense courage and sacrifices of our men and women in uniform.

In July, SFC Petry became only the second living, active duty service member to receive the Medal of Honor for actions in Afghanistan. He received the award from President Obama in a White House ceremony attended by his family, friends, fellow soldiers and the New Mexico delegation.

"SFC Petry is highly deserving of this honor, and New Mexico is honored to call him a native son," said U.S. Senator Tom Udall. “New Mexico has a long and proud tradition of military service – exemplified in the heroic actions of SFC Petry on the battlefields of Afghanistan.”