WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) today released the following statement offering his congratulations and thanks to Santa Fe native Leroy Arthur Petry, an Army Ranger who will be awarded the Medal of Honor next month by President Obama for his courageous actions during combat operations in Afghanistan in May 2008.
"Today I join with New Mexicans, and all Americans, in congratulating Army Sergeant First Class Leroy Arthur Petry on this historic occasion - his recognition as only the second living, active-duty service member to receive the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan.
"SFC Petry and his Army Rangers were deployed to capture a high value target in Afghanistan. During their raid, they were engaged in a firefight with the enemy when several in their regiment were pinned down by grenades. Wounded by bullet fire and with no thought to his personal safety, SFC Petry grabbed one of the grenades and attempted to toss it away. He would lose his right hand and continue to fight. It was this immense act of bravery that saved the lives of his brothers-in-arms - and illustrated once again to a grateful nation the immense courage and sacrifices of our men and women in uniform.
"New Mexico has a long and proud tradition of military service - exemplified in the heroic actions of SFC Petry on the battlefields of Afghanistan. SFC Petry is highly deserving of this honor, and New Mexico is honored to call him a native son."
