By Janie Amaya
Sergeant First Class Leroy Arthur Petry, only the second living recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War, was honored in a formal ceremony on Capitol Hill Tuesday by the five members of New Mexico’s delegation, his home state.
Sgt. Petry was celebrated for his valor and heroism while in combat on May 26, 2008, when his right hand was severed by an enemy grenade while trying to protect his fellow soldiers.
According to the official citation awarding the Medal of Honor to Sgt. Petry, the then Staff Sgt. Petry, “distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life abound and beyond the call of duty in action.”
Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) honored Sgt. Petry by naming him a “native son,” an honor in and of itself in the Land of Enchantment.
Sgt. Petry currently serves as a liaison officer for the United States Special Operations Command Care Coalition at Fort Benning, Ga. helping fellow wounded soldier transition to civilian life.
The Medal of Honor was bestowed upon Sgt. Petry by President Obama on July 12, 2011. It is the highest honor awarded to members of the armed forces for valor in combat.