*MURPHY, MICHAEL P.
Rank and Organization: Lieutenant, United States Navy
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life 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, courageous actions, and extraordinary devotion to duty, Lieutenant Murphy reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Medal of Honor Recipients - Afghanistan
What is a hero? to many a hero can be anyone that has a sense of purpose greater than themselves, it can be your sister, your brother, your mother, your father, grandmother, best friend, etc. Those young men and women and their familes that grieve for them are some of my hero's they give of themselves and ask for nothing in return. Through the long hours of deployment and heartache some like Lt. Murphy paid the ultimate sacrifice. These young people and their familes who have given so much for use deserve OUR thanks and OUR respect and one way to show that is to not leave them in battle alone , without support from home. The US Marines when I served with some of those brave men and women used to have a saying "no man left behind" and they acted upon it many many times. So if those that lead is plan to abandon our heros who have given us so much, it is time we take the mantle and demand that " NO MAN OR WOMAN BE LEFT BEHIND" and bring them home.
Rank and Organization: Lieutenant, United States Navy
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life 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, courageous actions, and extraordinary devotion to duty, Lieutenant Murphy reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Medal of Honor Recipients - Afghanistan
What is a hero? to many a hero can be anyone that has a sense of purpose greater than themselves, it can be your sister, your brother, your mother, your father, grandmother, best friend, etc. Those young men and women and their familes that grieve for them are some of my hero's they give of themselves and ask for nothing in return. Through the long hours of deployment and heartache some like Lt. Murphy paid the ultimate sacrifice. These young people and their familes who have given so much for use deserve OUR thanks and OUR respect and one way to show that is to not leave them in battle alone , without support from home. The US Marines when I served with some of those brave men and women used to have a saying "no man left behind" and they acted upon it many many times. So if those that lead is plan to abandon our heros who have given us so much, it is time we take the mantle and demand that " NO MAN OR WOMAN BE LEFT BEHIND" and bring them home.
