Hosted by the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation
Sponsored by the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation

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Medal of Honor Recipient Leroy Petry told his personal story of service in Afghanistan during this special webinar presented by the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation (CMOHF). This recorded interview is an exciting learning opportunity for students.

On May 26, 2008, Petry’s platoon was conducting combat operations against an armed enemy in Paktya, Afghanistan. Reacting to the need of another assault squad, he moved to their aid to provide supervision and guidance. Although wounded by a round which went through both of his legs, Petry still managed to lead a comrade to cover. When a grenade landed just a few feet from them, Petry risked his life to reach and secure the live grenade and throw it away from his fellow Rangers. As he released the grenade, it detonated and amputated his right hand.

During this webinar, Mr. Petry discussed what the Medal of Honor means to him and how it has affected his life, adding his unique perspective on the values celebrated by the CMOHF Character Development Program. Cathy Metcalf, Vice President of Education for the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, moderated the session.

 Staff Sergeant Leroy A. Petry distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy in the vicinity of Paktya Province, Afghanistan, on May 26, 2008. Petry was a Weapons Squad Leader with D Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. Staff Sergeant Petry’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, 75th Ranger Regiment, and the United States Army.  Learn more about Staff Sergeant Petry’s service.

Cathy Ehlers-Metcalf joined the Medal of Honor Character Development Program as Vice President of Education in 2015 after serving as a Regional Curriculum Trainer. Cathy taught college-level writing for over 33 years in Southern California. Cathy’s father was a World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. Those experiences gave Cathy a great respect for both the Medal of Honor and a passion for service to our Nation’s Veterans.

WATCH THE WEBINAR RECORDING

The Medal of Honor Character Development Program is a free resource that teaches character through stories of the Medal of Honor recipients. The CDP is a cross-curriculum supplement and complies with National/State Common Core standards. The Medal of Honor Character Development Program incorporates the ideals of courage and selfless service into the middle and high school curriculum to build character and promote responsible citizenship.  The program is FREE and includes 50+ lesson plans supported by over 100 video vignettes of the Medal of Honor Recipients themselves, as well as videos of hometown heroes selected by the Medal of Honor Recipients as “Citizen Heroes.”