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Michael P. Murphy

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Michael Patrick Murphy
Color picture of Michael Murphy, a white male, wearing a military white dress hat and dark blue suit. There is a blue background behind him and he is wearing a gold Navy Seal Trident, 2 blue and green striped ribbons, 1 red and yellow striped ribbon and gold parachute insignia wings below the ribbons.   A light blue neck ribbon with a gold star shaped medallion hanging from it. The ribbon is similar in shape to a bowtie with 13 white stars in the center of the ribbon.
Michael Murphy in his Service Dress Blue uniform
Nickname(s)"Murph"
Buried
Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, New York
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branchUnited States Navy
Years of service2000–2005
RankLieutenant
UnitSEALs SDV Team 1
Battles/warsWar on Terrorism
AwardsMedal of Honor
Silver Star
Purple Heart

Michael Patrick Murphy (May 7, 1976 – June 28, 2005) was a United States Navy SEAL posthumously awarded the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the current War in Afghanistan. He was the first person to be awarded the medal for actions in Afghanistan; and the first member of the U.S. Navy to receive the award since the Vietnam War.

Michael Murphy was born and raised in New York and after graduating from High school he went to Penn State, graduating with honors and dual degrees in both political science and psychology. After college he accepted a commission in the United States Navy and became a United States Navy SEAL in July 2002.

Murphy was sent on several missions while participating in the Global War on Terrorism but was killed on June 28, 2005 after his team was compromised and surrounded by Taliban forces near Asadabad, Afghanistan.

In addition to the Medal of Honor Murphy received other awards including the Silver Star and Purple heart as well as a United States Navy destroyer, a post office and a park named in his honor.

Early life

Murphy was born May 7, 1976 in Smithtown, New York to Irish American parents Maureen and Daniel Murphy, a former assistant Suffolk County district attorney.[1] He was raised in Patchogue and as a boy attended Saxton Middle School where he played youth soccer and pee-wee football with his father as coach. In high school, he continued playing sports and took a summer job as a lifeguard at the Brookhaven town beach in Lake Ronkonkoma. He returned to the job every summer through his college years.[1]

In 1994 Murphy graduated from Patchogue-Medford High School and left home to attend The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State). He graduated from Penn State in 1998 with degrees in both political science and psychology.[1]

Military career

Michael Murphy in tan and brown desert camouflage looking at the camera. He is wearing several pieces of green military combat gear and is holding a weapon. There is a hill behind him covered in rocks, dirt and sticks.
Navy photo taken in Afghanistan

After graduating from Penn State, Murphy was accepted to several law schools, but decided to attend SEAL mentoring sessions at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. In September 2000, he accepted an appointment to the U.S. Navy's Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida. On December 13 of that year, he was commissioned as an ensign in the Navy and began Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, California in January 2001, eventually graduating with Class 236.[1]

Upon graduation from BUD/s, he attended the United States Army Airborne School, SEAL Qualification Training and SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) school. Murphy earned his SEAL Trident and checked on board SDV Team ONE (SDVT-1) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in July 2002. In October 2002, he deployed with Foxtrot Platoon to Jordan as the liaison officer for Exercise Early Victor. Following his tour with SDVT-1, Murphy was assigned to Special Operations Central Command in Florida and deployed to Qatar in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After returning from Qatar, he was deployed to Djibouti to assist in the operational planning of future SDV missions.[1]

Combat in Afghanistan

Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) is the official name used by the United States Government for its War in Afghanistan, together with three smaller military actions under the umbrella of its Global War on Terror (GWOT).[2] The War began on October 7, 2001 with the response of the United States and United Kingdom to the September 11 attacks in New York City. In early 2005, Murphy was assigned to SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE as assistant officer in charge of ALFA Platoon and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.[1]

Operation Red Wing

A color image of six military personnel dressed in their combat uniforms and holding weapons.
SEALs of Operation Red Wing, Murphy is on the far right

Operation Red Wing was a failed counter-insurgent mission in Kunar province, Afghanistan, involving four members of the United States Navy SEALs. Murphy and two other SEALs were killed in the fighting in addition to 16 American Special Operations Forces soldiers who were killed when their helicopter was shot down while attempting to provide support to the team. It was the largest loss of life for American forces since the invasion began[3] and was the largest loss for the SEALs since the Vietnam War. Marcus Luttrell was the only surviving American sailor from the squad, he was protected by local villagers who sent an emissary to the closest military base allowing a rescue team to locate him.

A map of the area and plan relating to Operation Red Wing
The map given to the Navy SEALs detailing their mission.

Murphy led the four-man reconnaissance team on a mission to kill or capture a top Taliban leader, Ahmad Shah, who commanded a group of insurgents known as the "Mountain Tigers,"[4] west of Asadabad.[5][6] The group was dropped off by helicopter in a remote, mountainous area east of Asadabad in Kunar Province, near the Pakistan border. After an initially successful infiltration, local goat herders stumbled upon the SEALs' hiding place. Unable to verify any hostile intent from the herders,[7] Murphy asked the team what should be done with them. Axelson reportedly voted to kill the Afghans, and Dietz did not offer an opinion, causing Murphy to state that he would vote the same as Luttrell, who said the herders should be set free.[5] Hostile locals, possibly the goat herders they let pass, alerted 80 to 200[8] nearby Taliban forces, who surrounded and attacked the small group. After Murphy called for help, an MH-47 Chinook helicopter loaded with reinforcements was dispatched to rescue the team, but was shot down with an RPG, killing all 16 personnel aboard, including an additional eight SEALs and eight Army Night Stalkers.[1]

By the end of the two-hour battle, approximately 35 Taliban soldiers had been killed[1] and Murphy along with two of his men, Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Danny Dietz and Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Matthew Axelson, were killed in the action. Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Marcus Luttrell was the only American survivor and was eventually rescued after several days of wandering the desert and being protected by the people of an Afghanistan village.[1] All three of Murphy's men were awarded the Navy's second-highest honor, the Navy Cross, for their part in the battle making theirs the most decorated Navy SEAL team in history.[9]

Death and burial

A military grave stone with an image of a man with a cross next to it. Also shows the name of the indivual and info about them with an image of the Medal of Honor.
Lt. Murphy's grave in Calverton, Long Island

Lt. Murphy was killed June 28, 2005 after exposing himself to enemy fire and knowingly leaving his position of cover to get a clear signal in order to communicate with his headquarters. He provided his unit’s location and requested immediate support for his element and then returned to his position to continue fighting until he died from his wounds.[1]

On July 4, 2005 Murphy's remains were found by a group of American soldiers during a combat search and rescue operation and returned to the United States. Later that month Murphy was buried on Long Island in Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, New York, Section 67, Grave No. 3710.[10]

Honors and awards

During his military career, Lt. Murphy received 11 different military decorations, including: the Medal of Honor, Silver Star, Purple Heart, Commendation Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon.[1] Since his death, he has also received several posthumous honors in his name, including a post office in his home town, a park, and a United States Navy destroyer.[11]

Military awards

A gold image depicting an eagle perched on an anchor, clutching a trident with one claw and a gun in the other.
A lighe blue military ribbon with five white stars with five points each. 
A multicolored military ribbon. From left to right the color pattern is; thin blue stripe, thin white strip, thick blue stripe, thinck white stripe, thick red stripe, thick white stripe, thick blue stripe, thin white strip, thin blue stripe. A purple military ribbon with a thick white line at each end A multicolored military ribbon. From left to right the color pattern is; very thick blue stripe, thick white stripe, thin green stripe, thick white stripe, very thick green stripe, thick white stripe, thin green stripe, thick white stripe, very thick blue stripe
A green military ribbon with a thick white stripe near each end of the ribbon A multicolored military ribbon. From left to right the color pattern is; very thick blue stripe, very thick yellow stripe, thin red stripe, thicn white stripe, thin blue stripe, very thick yellow stripe, very thick red stripe A multicolored military ribbon. From left to right the color pattern is; very thick red stripe, thin white stripe, thin blue stripe, thin white stripe, thin red stripe, very thick gold stripe, thin red stripe, thin white stripe, thin blue stripe, thin white stripe, very thick red stripe.
Bronze star
A multicolored military ribbon. From left to right the color pattern is; thin green stripe, thick red stripe, black stripe, very thick white stripe, thin red stripe, thin white stripe, thin black stripe, think white stripe, thin red stripe, very thick white stripe, black stripe, thick red stripe, think green stripe.
 A dark blue military ribbon with three thin green stripes. One stripe is in the center of the ribbon and the other two are at near the edge of the ribbon. The is a large silver E centered in the ribbon. A dark blue military ribbon with 2 think green lines, one at each end of the ribbon with a large silver E centered on the ribbon.
A gold image of a parachute with wings.
SEAL Insignia[1]
1st row Medal of Honor[1]
2nd row Silver Star[1] Purple Heart Medal[1] Joint Service Commendation Medal[1]
3rd row Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal[1] Combat Action Ribbon[1] National Defense Service Medal[1]
4th row Afghanistan Campaign Medal
w/ 1 service star[1] 		Navy Rifle Marksmanship Medal
w/ expert device[1] 		Navy Pistol Marksmanship Medal
w/ expert device[1]
Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia[1]

Medal of Honor

On October 11, 2007 The White House announced Murphy would be presented the Medal of Honor, awarded posthumously, during a ceremony at the White House on October 22, 2007.[12]

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government and is bestowed on a member of the armed forces who distinguishes himself "... conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States ..." Due to the nature of the award, it is commonly presented posthumously.[13]

A color image of Murphy's parents standing next to President George Bush in front of an American flag. They are holding Murphy's Medal of Honor in a display case and are looking down at it.
The parents of Lt. Murphy receive his medal from President Bush.

On October 22, 2007 the Medal of Honor presentation ceremony was held at the White House. President George W. Bush presented Murphy's Medal of Honor to his parents.[12]

Citation

"The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to

LIEUTENANT MICHAEL P. MURPHY
UNITED STATES NAVY

For service as set forth in the following CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and above and beyond the call of duty as the leader of a special reconnaissance element with Naval Special Warfare task unit Afghanistan on 27 and 28 June 2005. While leading a mission to locate a high-level anti-coalition militia leader, Lieutenant Murphy demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger in the vicinity of Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan. On 28 June 2005, operating in an extremely rugged enemy-controlled area, Lieutenant Murphy's team was discovered by anti-coalition militia sympathizers, who revealed their position to Taliban fighters. As a result, between 30 and 40 enemy fighters besieged his four member team. Demonstrating exceptional resolve, Lieutenant Murphy valiantly led his men in engaging the large enemy force. The ensuing fierce firefight resulted in numerous enemy casualties, as well as the wounding of all four members of the team. Ignoring his own wounds and demonstrating exceptional composure, Lieutenant Murphy continued to lead and encourage his men. When the primary communicator fell mortally wounded, Lieutenant Murphy repeatedly attempted to call for assistance for his beleaguered teammates. Realizing the impossibility of communicating in the extreme terrain, and in the face of almost certain death, he fought his way into open terrain to gain a better position to transmit a call. This deliberate, heroic act deprived him of cover, exposing him to direct enemy fire. Finally achieving contact with his headquarters, Lieutenant Murphy maintained his exposed position while he provided his location and requested immediate support for his team. In his final act of bravery, he continued to engage the enemy until he was mortally wounded, gallantly giving his life for his country and for the cause of freedom. By his selfless leadership, Lieutenant Murphy reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."[14]

Other honors

In addition to the Medal of Honor, his military awards and his inscription on the Hall of Heroes in the Pentagon[12], Lt. Murphy has received at least 3 other honors between May 7, 2006 and June 2009.

Michael P. Murphy Memorial Park

On May 7, 2006, on what would have been his 30th birthday, Murphy’s hometown dedicated the Michael P. Murphy Memorial Park; formerly Lake Ronkonkoma Park. The park contains a black granite wall dedicated to the men lost in Operation Red Wing, with each member’s name inscribed. A black granite stone embedded in the plaza bears the picture of Murphy and his Medal of Honor.[15]

Michael P. Murphy United States Post Office

A color picture of Daniel and Maureen Murphy standing next to a monument in front of the Michael P. Murphy Post Office in Patchogue, New York. The monument has a purple heart and some wording inscribed on it and there are 2 men in the background.
Daniel and Maureen Murphy stand next to a monument in front of the Michael P. Murphy Post Office in Patchogue, New York.

On May 7, 2007 the Michael P. Murphy United States Post Office was dedicated in Patchogue, New York. The request to rename the United States Postal Office located at 170 East Main Street in Patchogue, New York was submitted as bill H.R. 4101 to the 109th Congress. On January 3, 2006 the 109th congress approved the request and on August 1, 2006 it was signed by President George W. Bush and became Public Law No: 109-256.[16][17]

"The facility of the United States Postal Service located at 170 East Main Street in Patchogue, New York, shall be known and designated as the `Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy Post Office Building."[17]

U.S.S. Michael Murphy DDG-112

On May 7, 2008 the United States Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter announced that DDG-112, the last planned US Arleigh Burke class destroyer at the time, would be named USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112) in honor of Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy.[11]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Michael P. Murphy.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w ""LT MICHAEL P. MURPHY USN"". United States Navy. 2007. Retrieved July 9, 2009-. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  2. ^ "Attack and Aftermath: a glossary of terms, in". Guardian Unlimited. September 27, 2001.
  3. ^ Blumenfeld, Laura (June 11, 2007). "The Sole Survivor - A Navy Seal, Injured and Alone, Was Saved By Afghans' Embrace and Comrades' Valor". Washington Post. p. A01. Retrieved March 10, 2010.
  4. ^ Bahmanyar, Mir & Chris Osman. Seals: The US Navy's Elite Fighting Force (October 21, 2008 ed.). Osprey Publishing. pp. 145–146. ISBN 1846032261.
  5. ^ a b Naylor, Sean D. (June 18, 2007). "Surviving SEAL tells story of deadly mission". Army Times. Retrieved July 21, 2008.
  6. ^ Matt Dupee (April 17, 2008). "Bara bin Malek Front commander killed in Pakistani shootout". long war journal. Retrieved December 10, 2008.
  7. ^ West, Diane (August 17, 2007). "Death by rules of engagement". TownHall.com. Retrieved March 10, 2010.
  8. ^ Luttrell, 2007
  9. ^ "Hall of Valor". Matthew Axelson. Military Times. Retrieved August 6, 2009.
  10. ^ Michael P. Murphy at Find a Grave. Retrieved on October 23, 2007
  11. ^ a b ""SECNAV Names New Guided-Missile Destroyer USS Michael Murphy"". United States Navy. May 7, 2008. Retrieved July 13, 2009.
  12. ^ a b c The White House (October 22, 2007). "President Bush Presents Medal of Honor to Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, U.S. Navy" (Press release). Office of the Press Secretary, The White House. Retrieved October 23, 2007.
  13. ^ "Defense link Medal of Honor history". U.S. Department of Defense. Retrieved March 10, 2010.
  14. ^ ""Medal of Honor citation"". United States Navy. Retrieved October 22, 2007.
  15. ^ ""TOWN PARK RENAMED IN HONOR OF FALLEN HERO"". Brookhaven City Counsel Website. May 12, 2006. Retrieved July 13, 2009.
  16. ^ Lykins, Lt. Lesley (May 9, 2008). "Patchogue Citizens Remember Lt. Michael Murphy". United States Navy. Retrieved July 31, 2009.
  17. ^ a b Bishop, Timothy H., Congressman, New York (October 20, 2005). "H. R. 4101". 109th CONGRESS. Retrieved August 8, 2009.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Luttrell, Marcus (2007). Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10. Little, Brown and Company. ISBN 0316067598.

Further reading

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