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Home Front: WoT
Ranger sergeant receives Medal of Honor
2011-07-12
Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Arthur Petry is the second living, active-duty service member to receive the nation's highest military decoration for actions in the Iraq or Afghanistan wars. Last year, Obama awarded a Medal of Honor to Staff Sgt. Sal Giunta, also for actions in Afghanistan.

Petry was being recognized for courageous actions during combat operations against an armed enemy in the eastern Afghan province of Paktia in May 2008. The 31-year-old native of Santa Fe, N.M., was shot in both legs and then lost a hand while throwing an enemy grenade away from himself and two fellow Army Rangers - all the while continuing to call out orders so that his unit could fulfill its mission, according to soldiers who served with him.

According to the Army News Service, Petry was serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment when he was wounded during a rare daylight raid to capture a high-value target. Petry was clearing the courtyard of a targeted compound with Pvt. 1st Class Lucas Robinson when they came under fire.

A bullet pierced both of Petry's legs, and he and Robinson took cover by a chicken coop. As Sgt. Daniel Higgins arrived, a grenade was thrown from the other side of the coop, landed about 30 feet away and exploded, wounding Higgins and Robinson. A second grenade landed even closer to the three wounded Rangers - just a few feet away. Petry grabbed it and tried to toss it away, but it exploded in his hand.

Petry placed a tourniquet on his own right arm before reporting that he had been wounded again and that the firefight was ongoing. Two other soldiers, Staff Sgt. James Roberts and Spc. Christopher Gathercole, came to their aid. Gathercole was shot and killed by an enemy firing from another part of the courtyard; Higgins and Robinson returned fire and killed him.

Despite being eligible for a medical discharge, he has chosen to stay on active duty and is working near his unit at Joint Base Lewis-McChord helping injured soldiers adjust to life after battle.

Petry has served six tours in Afghanistan and two in Iraq, according to the Army. He enlisted in September 1999. When he reenlisted in 2010, Petry said he loves the work he does helping wounded soldiers.
Posted by:tu3031

#11  continue to have no illusions about how Obama and the Left feel about men like Sgt. 1st Class Petry.

As kerry said it, and you remember he said it...that is how the Left and people like Kerry and Obama feel about servicemen and women they use.

Their service and their achievements are laughed at as stupid. They are regarded as one step above a bunch of uneducated toothless hillbillies. ( no criticism of hillbillies, I happen to be one).

But men in uniform are pawns to Obama. You wont find him going into a room full of combat vets. He knows they know what he is and how he views them.

Obama spits on the men who are like Peltry. Dont have any illusions about Obama.

Obama thinks servicemen are fools and pawns. Too stupid to get a "real" job.
Posted by: de Medici   2011-07-12 21:06  

#10  Even with a prosthetic hand, Sgt 1st Class Petry reenlisted for eight more years!
Posted by: Rambler in Virginia   2011-07-12 20:08  

#9  I agree with moose about Obumble hating too have too the MOH on this man , you can tell by the look on his face, but after 8 deployments and the loss of a hand while in these conditions he deserves it. If every MOh winner is KIA, that kinda sends a message that the ones who live didn't do a good enough job IMHO. Congrats soldier, and just think now that obnoxious ass president Obama has too salute you!
Posted by: chris   2011-07-12 19:58  

#8  Truthfully, in comparison with many other actions in both Iraq and Afghanistan, his actions warrant a silver star.

I fear that the MoH is being downgraded by the Democrats in the direction of the NATO proposed (but rejected) repulsive “courageous restraint” citation.

The Democrats themselves firmly rejected the idea of citing *any* soldier for their performance in the Iraq war or occupation, out of spite at "Bush's War".

So now they want to tarnish the MoH as a citation for "saving lives" instead of "winning wars". Obama no doubt resented that he had to stand behind the SFC while putting it on him.
Posted by: Anonymoose   2011-07-12 19:15  

#7  Deep respect for S1C Petry's sacrifice and bravery. He's the type of American viewers should see on evening TV instead of Lady GagMe or Snoop Shaggy Dog.

It's unfortunate that our ruling political class hasn't developed the means or desire to attract such individuals into that realm of activity.

It's all about turning ordinary men into the extraordinary through training, honor and sacrifice for the common good. None of that exists in the ruling classes.
Posted by: Eohippus Phater7165   2011-07-12 19:14  

#6  who was at the time on his seventh deployment in support of combat operations both in Iraq and Afghanistan

His ranger outfit ran 400 missions in a four-month deployment? They don't have much down time while deployed. These men are all heroes who deserve honor and respect!
Posted by: JohnQC   2011-07-12 18:18  

#5  It's unfortunate that our ruling political class hasn't developed the means or desire to attract such individuals into that realm of activity. I don't mean the willingness to give that full measure of devotion, but just the attitude of sacrifice, service and responsibility without some base reward of just power or position or money.
Posted by: Procopius2k   2011-07-12 18:15  

#4  Men like him keep having me hold out hope that America will once again find her greatness in herself.
Posted by: DarthVader   2011-07-12 17:53  

#3  I am not worthy to polish his shoes but I would gladly do so.
Posted by: Steve White   2011-07-12 17:16  

#2  I'm not sure if congratulations is the right word. Sounds like the stuff he did before the action, during the action, and has done afterwords demands to be recognized.
Posted by: swksvolFF   2011-07-12 16:58  

#1  In his own words.
Quite a man.
Posted by: tu3031   2011-07-12 15:50  

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