Army Sgt. First Class Leroy received a warm welcome coming back to his native Santa Fe today. Click here for SFR's slideshow of the festivities.

Petry was awarded the nation's highest military honor last month for his actions in Afghanistan.

During a raid in 2008, his regiment was in the middle of gunfire with Afghani soldiers when a live grenade was tossed his way.

With several U.S. troops pinned down in a sea of bullets, Leroy, who had been shot in both his legs, grabbed a hold of the grenade and tossed it. He lost his right hand in the process. 

Petry's family, a score of veterans, and several enthusiastic supporters greeted him this afternoon.

Gov. Susana Martinez, Santa Fe Mayor David Coss, state Rep. Ben Lujan were among the many who spoke at the event.

Check out the slideshow below for more.

(Hint: click the picture to see the next photo).

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.