WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall today led the New Mexico delegation in introducing a resolution honoring the valor and heroism of Army Sergeant First Class Leroy Arthur Petry, a Santa Fe native who received the Congressional Medal of Honor last month for his courageous actions during combat operations in Afghanistan in 2008. To read the text of the resolution, click here .
Udall was joined by Senator Jeff Bingaman in submitting the resolution in the Senate. An identical resolution was introduced in the House by U.S. Reps. Ben Ray Luján, Martin Heinrich and Steve Pearce.
Petry, who was born in Santa Fe and attended the now-closed St. Catherine Indian School, was deployed with the 75th Ranger Regiment in May 2008 to capture a high value target near Paktya Province in Afghanistan. During their raid, they were engaged in a firefight with the enemy when several in their regiment were pinned down by small arms fire and grenades. Wounded in both legs by bullet fire and with no thought to his personal safety, Petry grabbed one of the grenades and attempted to toss it away from his fellow soldiers. He would lose his right hand when the grenade exploded, but 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.
Petry is only the second living, active-duty service member to receive the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan. He received the award from President Obama last month in a White House ceremony attended by his family, friends, fellow soldiers and others.
"Sergeant First Class Petry's story is one of courage, sacrifice and immense love of country. He is an inspiration to all New Mexicans and all Americans, and we are privileged to introduce this resolution in his honor," Udall said. "New Mexico has a long and proud tradition of military service that is exemplified in the heroic actions of SFC Petry on the battlefields of Afghanistan. He is highly deserving of this award, and New Mexico is proud to call him a native son."
"It is with great pride that I honor my fellow New Mexican, Sergeant Petry, for his remarkable character, his courage, loyalty, humility and kindness," Bingaman said. "And it is with the utmost gratitude that I thank him for his extraordinary military service to our country."
"Sergeant Petry's tremendous display of heroism and sacrifice in the face of extreme danger went above and beyond the call of duty," Luján said. "He acted selflessly and without regard for his own personal safety, thinking only of his fellow soldiers. His brave deeds cost him his right hand, yet saved the lives of his brothers in arms. With his courageous actions, this true American hero has written the latest chapter in New Mexico's long line of service to our country."
"I am extremely proud that New Mexico's own Army Sergeant First Class Leroy Arthur Petry received the highest honor awarded to members of the Armed Forces," said Heinrich. "Sergeant First Class Petry is a true American hero and this resolution recognizes his tremendous bravery and immeasurable service to our nation."
"I commend SFC Petry for his incredible courage and gallantry," said Pearce. "His selfless actions saved the lives of his comrades, and are an inspiration for all those in our armed forces. I know I speak for my fellow New Mexicans when I say that I am proud of his service, and truly thankful for his sacrifice in defense of liberty."
