Soldier Awarded Rare Medal of Honor-- Source: AP

The Medal of Honor is one of the highest awards soldiers can get for outstanding and heroic actions while serving. Given the importantance of the award very few are given out though this week one more man has been added to the list of Medal of Honor recipients.

Sergeant 1st class Leroy Petry is that man and he is surely quite humbled by the incredible award. Petry received the award for his actions during a special operation in Afghanistan in 2008. Upon being shot Petry continued with his work and fought through the pain; perhaps the more amazing feat however came in the form of a lifesaving decision. Petry and his squad reportedly saw an enemy explosive land in the area very near to where they were; they believe the explosion would have killed or mortally wounded them so in an instant Petry decided to grab the explosive and throw it out of the area.

In the process of throwing the explosive out of the area the explosive detonated and took Petry’s right hand with it. He says he would not hesitate to the do same again though because his actions were likely what saved his and his squad members lives that day. This outstanding act of heroism and bravery is what earned Petry the right to call himself a Medal of Honor winner. The ceremony was held at the pentagon and as is tradition the medal was officially awarded to Petry by the President himself.