NM soldier to receive Medal of Honor

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A Santa Fe soldier will become the next Medal of Honor recipient in a ceremony on Tuesday afternoon in our nation's capitol. Sergeant First Class Leroy Petry's heroic efforts under heavy fire in Afghanistan three years ago will be recognized by President Obama and Vice-President Biden.

It was in 2008 while Petry, along with a group of Army rangers, was shot through both legs while battling insurgents. Those same insurgents tossed a hand grenade toward Petry and the other soldiers. Petry managed to grab it and throw it back, but not before it detonated and blew off his right hand.

Now Petry along with his family will be in the East Room of the White House and joined by President Obama and Vice-President Biden for the ceremony to honor his heroism.

At a flag day ceremony last month, Petry's dad, Larry was able to meet the state's other living Medal of Honor recipient, Hersey Miyamura of Gallup. Miyamura received his medal for bravery during the Korean War.