U.S. President Barack Obama applauds after awarding Sergeant First Class Leroy Arthur Petry, U.S. Army, the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty during a ceremony at the White House in Washington July 12, 1011. Petry received the for his courageous actions during combat operations against an armed enemy in Paktya, Afghanistan in May, 2008. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (UNITED STATES – Tags: POLITICS)