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Army Ranger awarded Medal of Honor in emotional ceremony

President Obama awarded Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry the Medal of Honor on Tuesday in an emotional ceremony at the White House. It’s the second time since the Vietnam War that a living service member was awarded the honor for an ongoing conflict.

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July 12, 2011

President Obama and Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry make their way into the East Room for a Medal of Honor presentation ceremony at the White House. Petry received the award for his action in combat in Paktia, Afghanistan, in May 2008. Petry was shot through both legs and lost his right hand after throwing aside a live grenade, saving the lives of fellow Army Rangers.

Mandel Ngan / AFP/Getty Images

Petry's family members stand, waiting for Obama and Petry to enter the East Room for the Medal of Honor ceremony.

July 12, 2011

Petry's family members stand, waiting for Obama and Petry to enter the East Room for the Medal of Honor ceremony.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

Obama delivers remarks before bestowing the Medal of Honor on Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Arthur Petry, left. Obama said Petry's bravery is 'the stuff of which heroes are made.'

July 12, 2011

Obama delivers remarks before bestowing the Medal of Honor on Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Arthur Petry, left. Obama said Petry's bravery is "the stuff of which heroes are made."

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

The surviving brother, left, of Spec. Christopher Gathercole, stands after being mentioned by President Obama. Gathercole was killed in Afghanistan in the same attack for which Petry earned his Medal of Honor.

July 12, 2011

The surviving brother, left, of Spec. Christopher Gathercole, stands after being mentioned by President Obama. Gathercole was killed in Afghanistan in the same attack for which Petry earned his Medal of Honor.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

With his prosthetic hand, Petry applauds his fellow soldiers who were mentioned during President Obama's remarks.

July 12, 2011

With his prosthetic hand, Petry applauds his fellow soldiers who were mentioned during President Obama's remarks.

Kevin Lamarque / Reuters

The surviving brother of Spec. Christopher Gathercole, left, receives a hug from a member of the Petry family after Obama bestowed the Medal of Honor on Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry.

July 12, 2011

The surviving brother of Spec. Christopher Gathercole, left, receives a hug from a member of the Petry family after Obama bestowed the Medal of Honor on Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

Petry listens to a description of his actions by President Obama during a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House. Four other service members have received the Medal of Honor for their actions in Afghanistan, three of whom received the honor posthumously.

July 12, 2011

Petry listens to a description of his actions by President Obama during a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House. Four other service members have received the Medal of Honor for their actions in Afghanistan, three of whom received the honor posthumously.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

Obama bestows the Medal of Honor on Petry. Petry is one of two living service members from the conflict in Afghanistan to have been bestowed the Medal of Honor.

July 12, 2011

Obama bestows the Medal of Honor on Petry. Petry is one of two living service members from the conflict in Afghanistan to have been bestowed the Medal of Honor.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

Obama shakes Petry's prosthetic hand after awarding Petry the Medal of Honor.

July 12, 2011

Obama shakes Petry's prosthetic hand after awarding Petry the Medal of Honor.

Charles Dharapak / AP

Obama shares a smile after bestowing the Medal of Honor on Petry.

July 12, 2011

Obama shares a smile after bestowing the Medal of Honor on Petry.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

The Medal of Honor rests around Petry's neck.

July 12, 2011

The Medal of Honor rests around Petry's neck.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

Petry, left, walks with a fellow Army Ranger to speak to the press after he received the Medal of Honor.

July 12, 2011

Petry, left, walks with a fellow Army Ranger to speak to the press after he received the Medal of Honor.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

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