Sgt Leroy Petry statue, Santa Fe

It’s not every day you see the figure of a man with an outstretched silver hand.

Santa Fe has honored its native son, Sgt. First Class Leroy Petry, with a statue situated outside of its City Hall.  Sgt Petry was awarded the Medal of Honor — the highest military distinction—by President Obama in 2011.

5-IMG_4500

6-IMG_4501

Petry saved his fellow soldiers’ lives when he blocked an incoming grenade in Afghanistan in 2008.  The grenade exploded as he threw it away, destroying his right hand and injuring him with shrapnel. Perry now has a prosthetic right hand, as depicted in these photos.

2-IMG_4496

The bronze statue is 9 feet tall and weighing 1500 pounds.  It was crafted by renowned artist George Rivera, the Pojoaque Governor.

3-IMG_4497

4-IMG_4498

Sgt Petry is a hero and I thought you should hear his story.

Share the Post:

Comments

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Featured Destination

Rethymno: More of Crete

Rethymno is a rare combination of history and modern-day luxury, with its multicultural old town, tropical beaches and exquisite Cretan cuisine.

Read More

recommended by TravelGumbo

Gumbo's Pic of the Day

Posts by the Same Author

Exploring Rapid City, South Dakota—the City of Presidents

Rapid City is best known for its proximity to Mt. Rushmore and the four presidents carved into it. But the City of Presidents also features a walk where you can encounter more than 40 Presidents who have been the United States’ Commander-in-Chief. The art is interesting and the walk is a lot of fun.

Read More