Celebrating National Medal of Honor Day with Leroy A. Petry
In recognition of National Medal of Honor (MOH) Day, VLG proudly hosts special guest Leroy A. Petry. In 2011, Leroy Petry received the Medal of Honor for saving the lives of two Rangers in 2008 during his deployment in Afghanistan. Petry was part of the Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment, 2nd Ranger Battalion, located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Leroy A. Petry’s Story and Accomplishments
For his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, Staff Sergeant Leroy A. Petry was awarded the Medal of Honor. He distinguished himself 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.
Enemy fighters wounded Staff Sergeant Petry in both legs with automatic weapons fire, yet he led another Ranger to cover, reported the situation, and engaged the enemy using a hand grenade. 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 threw it away from his fellow Rangers. As he was releasing the grenade, it unexpectedly detonated, amputating his right hand at the wrist and further injuring him with multiple shrapnel wounds.
The Medal of Honor: A Brief History
The Medal of Honor was first authorized in 1861 for Sailors and Marines but is now all-inclusive for Soldiers, Airmen, Space Force Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen. The nation’s highest medal, awarded to members of the armed forces for valor in combat, is the Medal of Honor. Presented “in the name of the United States Congress,” people often refer to it as the “Congressional Medal of Honor,” with the President of the United States bestowing the award.
Learn More About Leroy A. Petry and the 75th Ranger Regiment
To hear more about Leroy A. Petry’s personal experiences and what he is doing to continue to help other Service Members, check out The Ron and John Show podcast, where Petry is featured on Episode 8 discussing mental, physical, and emotional wellness.
Click here to learn all about Petry, the Medal of Honor, and the 75th Ranger Regiment.
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