
The term hero is used more frequently today than it should be. A true hero stands for justice, heart, and doing what is right even when it may be the most difficult thing they will ever do. US Army Sgt. First Class Leroy Arthur Petry is a true hero. He was awarded the Medal of Honor on July 12th, 2011 by President Barack Obama for his service in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Already wounded, he lunged at a grenade to pick it up and throw it back just as it exploded, causing him to lose his hand, as shown in the photo, along with numerous other injuries. Through use of color, spacing, and focus this photo shows the real honor and respect that true American heroes deserve today, and forever. 

The use of color in this photo sets the tone for its message. The bright red of the American flag and the crisp white make up most of the background of this image. The sleeves and hands of the two men contrast greatly in color from the background. Petry’s sleeve on the left is a dark navy blue, embroidered with gold thread around the cuff and in four distinct lines. The color blue symbolizes the tradition of the honor being bestowed on that very day. President Obama’s sleeve is black, the color of mourning. Mourning for the lost appendages of the hero before him, but also for the lives lost every day in active duty. The silver of Petry’s prosthetic stands out most against the red and white of the background. The cold metallic color produces feelings of remorse and sympathy among observers, and serves as a symbol for the sacrifices made every day to keep Americans safe. The warmer, lifelike tones of the President’s hand can represent what the Sergeant could have had if he hadn’t sacrificed himself to save others. 

In the photo President Obama is reaching out to shake Petry’s prosthetic hand. Part of what makes this photo so impactful, is the fact that they are not yet shaking hands. They are just a couple of inches away from their hands meeting in the middle. This indicates the importance just a split second can make. If the former Army Ranger had been just a couple inches closer or farther away, the scene could have gone down differently, possibly for better or worse.  

The focal points of this photo are the hands of the two men, but more so the hand of Sergeant Petry. The red and white of the American flag in the background is out of focus, meaning that it is not the focus of the image. The clarity of the hands of both the President and Petry further impact an observer. The safety felt by the American people in the United States is not felt by those fighting overseas. The apparent cold temperature of Petry’s prosthetic hand should send a shiver of awareness down a viewer’s spine. 

The United States if a land of the free because of the brave people like Medal of Honor recipient Leroy Petry. Without their dedication, heart, and bravery the nation would be far worse off. The photographers use of color, spacing and focus shows observers the sacrifices made every day for the safety of the American people, as well as the honor and respect deserved by those who serve.
