Medal of Honor: Leroy A. Petry - War in Afghanistan - May 26, 2008

Name: Leroy A. Petry
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Branch: U.S. Army
War: War in Afghanistan
Unit: Company D, 2d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment
Date of Action: May 26, 2008
Location: Paktya Province, Afghanistan

Summary of Action

On 26 May 2008, Staff Sergeant Leroy A. Petry displayed extraordinary heroism during combat operations in Paktya Province, Afghanistan.

Serving as a Weapons Squad Leader with D Company, 2d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Petry was part of an assault force clearing a compound believed to contain high-value enemy combatants.

As Petry and another Ranger crossed the courtyard of a house, enemy fighters suddenly opened fire with automatic weapons from close range.

Both Rangers were wounded in the initial burst of fire.

Despite being hit in both legs, Petry immediately moved the other wounded Ranger to cover while still under enemy fire.

Refusing to stop fighting, he reported the situation over the radio and threw a hand grenade to suppress the enemy as another Ranger moved toward his position.

Enemy fighters then maneuvered closer and began throwing grenades into the Rangers' position.

The first grenade exploded near Petry and his fellow Rangers, wounding the men with shrapnel and knocking them to the ground.

Seconds later, a second grenade landed only a few feet away.

Instantly recognizing the deadly danger facing his comrades, Petry acted without hesitation.

Ignoring his own wounds and with complete disregard for his safety, he lunged forward, picked up the live grenade, and attempted to throw it away from the wounded Rangers beside him.

As the grenade left his hand, it exploded.

The blast amputated Petry's right hand at the wrist and inflicted additional severe shrapnel wounds.

His selfless action unquestionably saved the lives of the Rangers around him.

Even after suffering catastrophic injuries, Petry remained calm and focused.

Using extraordinary determination, he applied a tourniquet to his own arm and then radioed for support and medical assistance for the wounded Rangers.

His courage, sacrifice, and refusal to surrender under fire embodied the highest traditions of the United States Army and the 75th Ranger Regiment.

Medal of Honor Citation

PETRY, LEROY A.

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.