Lieutenant Michael Murphy’s Legacy

WEST CHESTER, Ohio - Jan. 8, 2014 - PRLog -- “…With this Medal, we acknowledge a debt that will not diminish with time, and can never be repaid.”- President George W. Bush, October 22, 2007, after awarding Michael Murphy the first Medal of Honor for combat in Afghanistan.

Lt. Michael Murphy’s life began like many others, growing up in a small town with a love of sports. But unlike many other young men growing up, Murphy possessed a unique quality given his age: commitment. During his high school days at Patchogue-Medford, he took a summer lifeguard job – one he held through college during his time home from Penn State.

In college, Murphy played hockey and often spent time reading military-related books, including two of his favorites, “War and Peace,” and “Gates of Fire.” In 1998, he graduated with a pair of degrees – B.A.’s in political science and psychology. He was accepted into several law schools, but would make a decision that would end his life seven years later.

Instead of going to law school, Murphy decided to attend SEAL training school, intent on becoming a Navy SEAL. In September 2000, he accepted an appointment to the Navy’s Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Fla. Beginning in December, Murphy was commissioned as an ensign in the Navy and  began training for Basic Underwater Demolition in Coronado, Calif. The following month, he graduated with Class 236. He had taken the initial step to becoming a Navy SEAL.

Murphy would go on to become a SEAL that fellow members everywhere could be proud of. Eventually, he was awarded the highest honor bestowed upon military personnel by the President of the United States, the Medal of Honor.

On June 28, 2005, Murphy was in-charge of a four-man SEAL team in support of Operation Red Wings (http://www.SealofHonor.com). ORW was tasked with finding anti-coalition militia near Asadabad, Afghanistan. Upon entrance into the area, Murphy and his team were spotted by goat herders who were initially detained, then ultimately released. It is believed these herders reported the SEALs’ presence to Taliban fighters.

Heavy gunfire rained down from the mountainside. Realizing their position on the difficult surroundings made it impossible for a call for help to get through, Murphy made a decision that would end his life. In order to establish contact with headquarters, he moved out from the cover of rough terrain and made the call for help out in the open.

Making contact with the SOF Quick Reaction Force at Bagram Air Base while being fired upon, Murphy notified the base of his unit’s location and requested immediate support. During a point in the conversation, he was shot in the back, causing him to drop the transmitter. Having the presence of mind to pick it back up, he completed the call and continued to fire at the enemy despite being severely wounded.

Murphy’s call brought the arrival of a Chinook helicopter with eight Army Night Stalkers and eight more SEALs aboard to rescue the four SEALs in distress. But as the helicopter closed in on their location, it was shot down, killing all 16 aboard.

Nearly out of ammunition, the SEALs continued to fight for over two hours, by which time Murphy, Danny Dietz, and Matthew Axelson died. Severely wounded, fourth SEAL Marcus Luttrell evaded the enemy until he was rescued from a nearby village after three days.

Due in part to Murphy’s sacrifice, Luttrell was able to be rescued and a recovery of the others’ remains was made possible.

Lt. Murphy’s courage bestowed upon him several honors: the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon, and the National Defense Service Medal.