MSG Leroy Petry, U.S. Army Ranger (Ret.) Flies In Red Nose

The Commemorative Air Force’s Air Base Georgia recently honored a true American hero in a powerful tribute flight on the P-51 Mustang Red Nose, assigned to Air Base Georgia and piloted by John Currenti.

Mr. Petry was attending the recent EAA AirVenture Airshow and Fly-in in Oshkosh as a special guest of American Airlines and a participant in the annual Honor Flight–a tribute flight that honors veterans from around the country to recognize their service.

While he was at Oshkosh, David Oliver, President of CAF, arranged for the Mustang flight, and said it would be “an experience he (Leroy) wouldn’t forget.”

Making the experience even more special, CAF General Staff member flew Petry’s son in his own privately-owned Mustang, Charlotte’s Chariot, to create an extra-special memory for the family in the skies over Wisconsin.

MSG Petry was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and is celebrated for his extraordinary bravery during Operation Enduring Freedom. While serving with the 2nd Bn, 75th Rangers in Paktia Province, Afghanistan. Petry was severely wounded in both legs but continued fighting and led his team under fire. When a grenade landed nearby, Petry selflessly picked it up to throw it away but it detonated as he released it, severing his hand. But his team survived.

For those heroic actions, MSG Leroy Petry was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama in 2011, and became the second living recipient of the medal for the war in Afghanistan. Petry remarkably recovered and reenlisted, serving until his retirement in 2014.

The tribute flight by CAF is as a symbol of gratitude and respect—not only for Petry’s courage but also for the service of all veterans. In addition it reflects the CAF’s ongoing mission to honor, inspire, and preserve the stories of America’s military heroes.

FMI:  commemorativeairforce.org/