Politics

Video: SFC Leroy Petry Awarded the Medal of Honor

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Today U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Leroy Arthur Petry became only the second living combat veteran to receive the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War. The other honoree was Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta, also of the Army, who received the nation’s highest military honor in 2010. The Daily Caller was there for today’s moving ceremony.

The Army has a Web page detailing Petry’s heroism, with his official citation and a battle recreation. Giunta’s page is here.

George Washington University student Liz Bibb, a Daily Caller intern, produced this video.

Petry received the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions during combat in Paktya, Afghanistan in May 2008.

Petry, who threw a live hand grenade away from his fellow Army Rangers, lost his right hand and was shot in both legs. The 28-year-old has been on a total of eight deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Over 100 of Petry’s family and friends were present at the ceremony, including his wife Ashley.

The Medal of Honor is awarded to service members who distinguish themselves by behaving bravely above and beyond the call of duty.

Mary Katharine Ham