 Citation...
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. |
