War hero Petry welcomed home

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A national hero made it home Friday 2 1/2 weeks after being awarded the Medal of Honor and just in time for his 32nd birthday.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama during a White House ceremony. Petry, already shot in both legs, lost his hand in Afghanistan while throwing an enemy grenade away from his comrades.

On Friday the Santa Fe native came home to a cheering crowd that included soldiers and veterans lining the Albuquerque Sunport.

In Santa Fe Gov. Susana Martinez presented Petry with the New Mexico flag flown over the state capitol the day he was presented the Medal of Honor.

New Mexicans showed their pride Petry, and he's proud of his home state:

"I kept saying this tops D.C.; this tops New York," Petry said. "It was amazing. I know I have the pride for New Mexico"

There will be a celebratory parade around the Santa Fe Plaza for Petry on Monday beginning at 11 a.m. and followed by a reception at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.

Sgt. Petry Parade Route:

The parade begins on Bishops Lodge Road at Murales Road at 11 a.m. From there it heads south on Bishops Lodge Road and Washington Street, loops around the south side of the Santa Fe Plaza heading north to Marcy Avenue and then west to the Santa Fe Community Convention Center where a reception will be held.
 

View Sgt. Petry Parade Route 11 a.m. Aug. 1 in a larger map