Difference between revisions of "Michael Murphy"
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| − | + | '''Michael Patrick Murphy''' was a [[United States Navy]] SEAL posthumously awarded the [[Medal of Honor]], for his actions during [[Operation Enduring Freedom]]. He was the first person to be awarded the medal for actions in [[Afghanistan]]; and the first member of the [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]]. | |
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| + | On June 28, 2005, Murphy led a four-man special reconnaissance team on a mission to locate a top [[Taliban]] leader. Operating in an extremely rugged enemy-controlled area, the team was discovered by pro-Taliban sympathizers, who revealed their position to Taliban [[Terrorism|terrorists]]. As a result, between 30 and 40 enemy fighters besieged the Navy SEAL team. Lieutenant Murphy valiantly led his men in engaging the large enemy force. | ||
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| + | 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, 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, Murphy maintained his exposed position while he provided his location and requested immediate support for his team. | ||
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| + | In his final act of bravery, Murphy continued to engage the enemy until he was mortally wounded. Two other members of the team were, Petty Officer 2nd Class Danny Dietz and Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Axelson, were also killed in the action; the survivor, Marcus Luttrell, was eventually rescued. All three of Murphy's men were awarded the Navy's second-highest honor, the Navy Cross, for their part in the battle. | ||
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| + | Murphy is buried in Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, [[New York]]. | ||
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| + | [[Category:Military]] | ||
| + | [[Category:United States]] | ||
Revision as of 17:06, June 9, 2008
Michael Patrick Murphy was a United States Navy SEAL posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, for his actions during Operation Enduring Freedom. He was the first person to be awarded the medal for actions in Afghanistan; and the first member of the U.S. Navy.
On June 28, 2005, Murphy led a four-man special reconnaissance team on a mission to locate a top Taliban leader. Operating in an extremely rugged enemy-controlled area, the team was discovered by pro-Taliban sympathizers, who revealed their position to Taliban terrorists. As a result, between 30 and 40 enemy fighters besieged the Navy SEAL team. 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, 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, Murphy maintained his exposed position while he provided his location and requested immediate support for his team.
In his final act of bravery, Murphy continued to engage the enemy until he was mortally wounded. Two other members of the team were, Petty Officer 2nd Class Danny Dietz and Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Axelson, were also killed in the action; the survivor, Marcus Luttrell, was eventually rescued. All three of Murphy's men were awarded the Navy's second-highest honor, the Navy Cross, for their part in the battle.
Murphy is buried in Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, New York.
