Michael P. Murphy
Michael P. Murphy | |
---|---|
Nickname(s) | "Murph", "Mikey", "The Protector" |
Born | Smithtown, New York, United States | May 7, 1976
Died | June 28, 2005 Kunar Province, Afghanistan | (aged 29)
Buried | |
Allegiance | United States |
Service/ | United States Navy |
Years of service | 2000–2005 |
Rank | Lieutenant |
Unit | United States Navy SEALs |
Battles/wars | War in Afghanistan |
Awards | Medal of Honor Purple Heart |
Alma mater | Pennsylvania State University |
Michael Patrick Murphy (May 7, 1976 – June 28, 2005) was a
.Michael Murphy was born and raised in
The U.S. Navy ship USS Michael Murphy and several civilian and military buildings have been named in his honor.
Early life and education
Murphy was born on May 7, 1976, in
Murphy was known to his friends as "Murph" and as "The Protector" in his high school years. In 8th grade, he protected a child with special needs who was being shoved into a locker by a group of boys, ending with Murphy physically pulling the attackers away from the child. This was the only time the school principal had to notify Murphy's parents of a 'disciplinary' issue; his parents later reported that they "couldn't have been prouder". He also protected a homeless man who was being attacked while collecting cans. He chased away the attackers and helped the man pick up his cans.[5]
In 1994, Murphy graduated from
Career
After graduating from
Upon graduation from
Combat in Afghanistan
In early 2005, Murphy was assigned to SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE as officer in charge of Alpha Platoon and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.[4] While deployed, Murphy was known for wearing the patch of FDNY Engine Co. 53, Ladder Co. 43 ("El Barrio's Bravest") in remembrance of the terrorist attacks on September 11th and an FDNY friend of his who had died that day.[6] Shortly before deploying to Afghanistan, Murphy had asked for several patches from a close friend of his who had been assigned to the station.[7]
Operation Red Wings
Murphy was the commander of the four-man
Murphy, Dietz, and Axelson were killed in the action. Luttrell was the only U.S. survivor and was eventually rescued, after having wandered in the mountains before being taken in by friendly local Afghan villagers.
Death
Murphy was killed on 28 June 2005 during Operation Red Wings. He had left cover and moved to a clearing away from the mountains, exposing himself to enemy fire in order to obtain a signal for his satellite phone to contact headquarters, relay the situation and request help.[16] He dropped the satellite phone after being shot but managed to pick the phone back up and finish the call. Murphy signed off saying "Thank you",[17] then continued fighting from his exposed position until he died from his wounds.[4]
On 4 July 2005, Murphy's remains were recovered by a group of American soldiers during a combat search and rescue operation and returned to the United States.[18] On 13 July, Murphy was buried with full military honors at Calverton National Cemetery.[19]
Awards and decorations
1st row | Medal of Honor | Purple Heart Medal
|
Joint Service Commendation Medal | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2nd row | Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal | Combat Action Ribbon | National Defense Service Medal | ||||||||
3rd row | campaign star
|
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal | Global War on Terrorism Service Medal | ||||||||
4th row | Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon | Navy Rifle Marksmanship Medal w/ expert device |
expert device
| ||||||||
Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia |
Medal of Honor
On 11 October 2007 the Bush administration announced Murphy would be presented the Medal of Honor, awarded posthumously, during a ceremony at the White House on 22 October 2007.[20]
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.[21]
President George W. Bush presented Murphy's Medal of Honor to his parents on 22 October 2007.[20]
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, Kunar 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.[22]
Legacy
During his military career, Murphy received 11 different military decorations, including the
In addition to the Medal of Honor, his military awards, and his inscription on the Hall of Heroes in the Pentagon,[20] Murphy has received several other honors.
- Michael P. Murphy Memorial - at
- Michael P. Murphy Memorial Park - located in Murphy's hometown[26]
- Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy United States Post Office - On 7 May 2007, the Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy United States Post Office was dedicated in Patchogue, New York.[27][28]
- USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112) - On 7 May 2008, Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter announced that DDG-112, the last planned U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyer at the time, would be named USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112) in honor of Murphy.[23] On 7 May 2011, on what would have been Murphy's 35th birthday, USS Michael Murphy was christened by his mother Maureen Murphy, the ship's sponsor.[29][30]
- Lt. Michael P. Murphy Combat Training Pool - On 9 July 2009, the newly constructed Combat Training Pool at the Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, was dedicated in honor of Murphy.[31]
- LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum - The LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum/Sea Cadet Training Facility is a dual purpose building located in underwater demolition teams through the present day, the War on Terror with seven exhibition halls, a theater, and SEAL Adventure Ride. The building also houses a Sea Cadet Training Facility which is the home of the LT Michael P. Murphy Sea Cadet Division of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps.[citation needed]
Murph workout
Murphy created his own CrossFit-style workout called "Body Armor", which involved running, pushing, pulling, and lifting exercises while wearing
In media
In the 2013 film
Murph: The Protector is a 2013 documentary about Murphy as told by his family and friends.[35]
See also
Notes
References
- ^ "Now there are nine: Medal of Honor recipients since U.S forces entered Afghanistan". July 12, 2011.
- ^ "Key Senate Committee Approves Clinton Bill To Rename Patchogue Post Office In Honor Of Lt. Michael Murphy". Charles Schumer United States Senator for New York. July 26, 2006. Archived from the original on March 3, 2022. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
- ^ Williams 2010, p. 28 (Silver Star Citation).
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT MICHAEL P. MURPHY". United States Navy. Archived from the original on June 1, 2022.
- ^ Williams 2010, p. 40.
- ^ Ford, Sabrina (October 7, 2012). "Navy launch for hero SEAL". New York Post. Archived from the original on July 25, 2022. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
- ^ Lemire, Jonathan (February 3, 2007). "War hero's spirit fills a firehouse". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on July 25, 2022. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
- ^ Rivera, Ray; Rubin, Alissa J.; Shanker, Thom (August 6, 2011). "Copter Downed by Taliban Fire; Elite U.S. Unit Among Dead". The New York Times.
- ^ Boone, Jon (August 6, 2011). "Worst US loss of life in Afghan war as helicopter crash kills 38" – via www.theguardian.com.
- Washington Post. p. A01. Retrieved March 10, 2010.
- ^ Luttrell 2007.
- ISBN 978-1-84603-226-4.
- ^ Naylor, Sean D. (June 18, 2007). "Surviving SEAL tells story of deadly mission". Army Times. Retrieved July 21, 2008.
- ^ Matt Dupee (April 17, 2008). "Bara bin Malek Front commander killed in Pakistani shootout". long war journal. Retrieved December 10, 2008.
- ^ "Matthew Gene Axelson". Military Times. Hall of Valor. Archived from the original on May 9, 2012. Retrieved August 6, 2009.
- Guardian News & Media Limited. Retrieved June 2, 2019.
- ^ Fuentes, Gidget (October 12, 2007). "First Navy MoH since Vietnam to go to SEAL". Navy Times. Archived from the original on April 11, 2013. Retrieved June 2, 2019.
- TCPalm. Retrieved June 2, 2019.
- ^ "Calverton cemetery, resting place for fallen heroes". Newsday. November 8, 2009. Archived from the original on November 12, 2009. Retrieved June 2, 2019.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Defense link Medal of Honor history". U.S. Department of Defense. Archived from the original on May 19, 2009. Retrieved March 10, 2010.
- ^ "Medal of Honor citation". United States Navy. Archived from the original on January 13, 2009. Retrieved October 22, 2007.
- ^ a b "SECNAV Names New Guided-Missile Destroyer USS Michael Murphy". United States Navy. May 7, 2008. Retrieved July 13, 2009.
- ^ [1][permanent dead link]
- ^ "Penn State Veterans Plaza, 2011 class gift, to be dedicated Sept. 14". news.psu.edu. September 10, 2012.
- ^ "TOWN PARK RENAMED IN HONOR OF FALLEN HERO". Brookhaven City Council Website. May 12, 2006. Archived from the original on August 28, 2008. Retrieved July 13, 2009.
- ^ Lykins, Lt. Lesley (May 9, 2008). "Patchogue Citizens Remember Lt. Michael Murphy". United States Navy. Retrieved July 31, 2009.
- ^
Bishop, Timothy H., Congressman, New York (20 October 2005). "H. R. 4101". 109th CONGRESS. Archived from the original on 14 June 2011. Retrieved 8 August 2009.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Fallen Navy SEAL honored with warship". USA Today. May 8, 2011. Retrieved May 8, 2011.
- ^ a b "John Krasinski, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson take the Murph Challenge for a good cause on Memorial Day". Fox News. May 26, 2020. Retrieved May 26, 2020.
- ^ Thornbloom, Scott A. (July 17, 2009). "Newport Combat Training Pool Dedicated to MOH Recipient". Naval Service Training Command Public Affairs Office. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved March 24, 2010.
- ^ a b c Easter, Michael (May 6, 2021). "How Murph Became the Most Legendary Fitness Challenge Ever". No. May 2021. Men's Health. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
- ^ Hughes, Mallory (May 27, 2019). "What is The Murph challenge and why is everyone doing it on Memorial Day". CNN. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on December 2, 2012. Retrieved December 2, 2012.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ Gold, Daniel M. (March 21, 2013). "Posthumous Salute to a SEAL Team Leader". The New York Times. The New York Times. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
Further reading
- ISBN 978-0-316-06759-1.
- Drew, April (October 17, 2007). "Highest Honor for Afghan War Hero". Irish Abroad. Archived from the original on June 9, 2011.
- Evans, Martin C. (October 11, 2007). "Slain Patchogue sailor to get Medal of Honor". Newsday. Archived from the original on December 22, 2007.
- Hernandez, Raymond (October 22, 2007). "A Protector as a Child, Honored as a Hero". New York Times.
- Williams, Gary (2010). Seal of Honor: Operation Red Wings and the Life of Lt. Michael P. Murphy, USN. Naval Institute Press. ISBN 9781612510064.
- Winerip, Michael (November 11, 2007). "Recognizing the Honor of a Son". New York Times.