Petry risks life for nation; receives US' highest military honor
Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry was bestowed with America's highest military order the Medal of Honor yesterday. Petry on receiving the award said that he felt humbled for being chosen for the great honor.
US PRESIDENT Barack Obama yesterday honored Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry with the nation’s highest military order the Medal of Honor for his contribution towards the US mission in Iraq and Afghanistan. The 28-year-old soldiers had several encounters with the insurgents, but the most dangerous was the one with a top al-Qaeda leader in 2008. Despite being shot in both the legs, Petry did not leave the mission half way. He stayed on and led another Ranger to cover, behind a chicken coop. After radioing for support he hurled a grenade at the enemy, giving cover to a third Ranger, who had come to rescue them.
But a few minutes later an enemy grenade exploded injuring both his companions, while a second one landed next to Petry. Leroy picked up the grenade and was about to throw it back when it exploded blowing off his right hand. Despite such severe injuries, Petry kept his calm and continued giving instructions to the others. He also instructed the medics on how to treat his wounds.
Petry is the second living recipient of Medal of Honour from Iraq and Afghan wars.
Had it not been for Petry and many others like him, American would have become a victim of another 9/11 by now.
The 28-year-old soldier has been deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan eight times; his most recent posting was in Afghanistan in a non-combat role. But serving one’s country is not as easy as it may sound, it comes with sacrifices; Petry too had to make a few in the form of his right hand and health. The wounds on his body from the war are so many that he is unable to stand for too long.
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Petry said that according to him all those who serve in uniform are heroes. He, however, said that he felt humbled at being picked out amongst others for the great honor.
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