[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 53 (Thursday, March 24, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E289]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF LEROY ARTHUR PETRY FOR NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR DAY 
                                  2022

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. TERESA LEGER FERNANDEZ

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 24, 2022

  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Mr. Leroy Arthur 
Petry of Santa Fe, New Mexico for his life of service to our nation and 
in recognition of tomorrow's National Medal of Honor Day.
  Just one year after graduating high school, Mr. Petry joined the 
United States Army in 1999.
  Mr. Petry was deployed eight times. which included deployments to 
support Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
  On May 26, 2008, Mr. Petry and his regiment came under fire from 
Taliban forces in Afghanistan. During this skirmish, he was wounded by 
a round that pierced both of his legs.
  Although wounded, Mr. Petry led another Ranger to cover.
  When a Taliban fighter threw a grenade that landed just a few feet 
from him and his fellow soldiers, Mr. Petry selflessly lunged forward, 
picked up the grenade, and threw it back in the direction of the 
Taliban fighters as it exploded.
  At great personal cost, Mr. Petry saved the lives of his fellow 
soldiers.
  For his courageous actions in Afghanistan, Mr. Petry was awarded the 
Congressional Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama on July 12, 
2011. He is the second living recipient of the medal after the Vietnam 
War.
  Mr. Petry continues to serve his fellow veterans and his community. I 
am thankful to Mr. Petry for his service and tremendous sacrifice for 
our nation. It is an honor to represent him in Congress.

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