Michael P. Murphy

Michael Patrick Murphy (May 7, 1976 – June 28, 2005) was a United States Navy SEAL officer who was awarded the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the War in Afghanistan.

In high school, he continued playing sports, and took a summer job as a lifeguard at the Brookhaven town beach in Lake Ronkonkoma, New York.

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 in November 2001.

[4] 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.

[7] Operation Red Wings was a counter-insurgent mission in Kunar province, Afghanistan, involving a four man special reconnaissance team of United States Navy SEALs.

The team was tasked with conducting surveillance on a top Taliban leader, Ahmad Shah (code name Ben Sharmak),[11] who commanded a group of insurgents known as the "Mountain Tigers,"[12] west of Asadabad.

Hostile locals, possibly the goat herders they released, alerted nearby Taliban forces, who surrounded and attacked the small team.

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.

[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.

[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.

[20] 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.

Finally achieving contact with his headquarters, Lieutenant Murphy maintained his exposed position while he provided his location and requested immediate support for his team.

By his selfless leadership, Lieutenant Murphy reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

[4] Since his death, the high school he attended, a post office in his home town, a park and a guided missile destroyer, the USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112), have been named in his honor.

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.
Murphy in Afghanistan
A color image of six military personnel dressed in their combat uniforms and holding weapons.
Navy SEALs of Operation Red Wings, with Murphy on the far right
A map of the area and plan relating to Operation Red Wings
The map given to the U.S. Navy SEALs detailing their mission.
A military grave stone with an image of a man with a cross next to it. Also shows the name of the individual and info about them with an image of the Medal of Honor.
Murphy's grave at Calverton National Cemetery
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.
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.
A color picture of Daniel and Maureen Murphy standing next to a monument in front of the Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy Post Office in Patchogue, New York. The monument has a purple heart and some wording inscribed on it and there are two men in the background.
Daniel and Maureen Murphy stand next to a monument in front of the Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy Post Office in Patchogue, New York.
Maureen Murphy breaks a bottle of champagne to christen the ship named after her son, USS Michael Murphy.
Guests tour the new LT Michael Murphy Combat Training Pool during a dedication ceremony at Officer Training Command, Newport. The pool will be used by officer candidates and students at Officer Training Command Newport for swim qualifications.
Guests tour the new Lt. Michael Murphy Combat Training Pool during a dedication ceremony at Officer Training Command, Newport. The pool will be used by officer candidates and students at Officer Training Command Newport for swim qualifications.