Leroy A. Petry

MSG (R) Leroy A. Petry, a Medal of Honor recipient and President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, enrolled in the United States Army in 1999, fulfilling a lifelong dream that began when he was seven years old. Following completion of Infantry One Station Unit Training, the Airborne Course, and the Ranger Indoctrination Program at Ft. Benning, Georgia, he was designated to the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. There, he served in various capacities, including being a rifleman, grenadier, squad automatic rifleman, fire team leader, rifle squad leader, assistant operations sergeant, and weapons squad leader. Additionally, Petry was a Liaison Officer for the United States Special Operations Command Care Coalition-Northwest Region, overseeing the welfare of wounded warriors, as well as ill and injured service members and their families.

Petry's military career is punctuated by eight deployments in support of the Global War on Terror, with two tours in Iraq and six in Afghanistan. His courage in combat, specifically in Afghanistan in 2008, led to his receipt of the Medal of Honor in 2011 by President Barack Obama. Petry, severely wounded in both legs, saved the lives of two soldiers by seizing and throwing a live grenade, sacrificing his right hand in the process.

In terms of military education, Petry completed the Airborne Course, Combat Life Saver Course, US Army Ranger Course, Warrior Leader Course, Jumpmaster Course, Advanced Leader Course, Senior Leader Course, and Combatives Level-1 Course. His numerous awards and decorations include the Medal of Honor, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (1OLC), Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal (2OLC), Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Army Achievement Medal (1OLC) among others. In addition, he was inducted into the Distinguished Members of the 75th Ranger Regiment and the Ranger Hall of Fame in June 2017.

Following his military service, Petry remained active in supporting veterans and military families through his role as the President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and board positions with several organizations such as GE Veteran’s Network (advisory), Boulder Crest Retreat, Patriot Project, AUSA board of trustees, Horses for Heroes, and Halo for Freedom Foundation. He also works as a warrior liaison for Feherty’s Troops First Foundation. Petry is a proud advocate for behavioral medicine and is frequently invited as a speaker at various events and universities, sharing his experiences and insights. He currently works for a consulting company called Mission 6 Zero.

Apart from his military and advocacy work, Petry received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Economics at Pierce College. Despite his sustained injuries, Petry continues to lead a fulfilling life with an advanced prosthetic replacing his right hand.