Career
Born in Petaluma, California, Penry joined the Army from Oakland, California, and by January 31, 1970 was serving as a Sergeant in Company C, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 199th Infantry Brigade. After the company commander was wounded, Penry helped organize the defense of the area and repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to retrieve supplies and return fire. Penry died at age 45 and was buried in Cypress Hill Memorial Park in Petaluma.
Finding it inoperable, During a determined assault by over 30 enemy soldiers, Learning that none of the radios were operable, When evacuation helicopters approached, After all wounded personnel had been evacuated.