Michael Patrick Murphy, commonly known as “Murph,” was a United States Navy SEAL officer and recipient of the Medal of Honor. He was born on May 7, 1976, in Smithtown, New York.
Michael Murphy graduated from Penn State University and joined the Navy in 2000. He completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training and became a member of SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE. Later, he joined SEAL Team 10.
On June 28, 2005, during Operation Red Wings in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan, Murphy led a four-man SEAL reconnaissance team on a mission to locate a high-value target. However, their position was compromised when they encountered a group of Taliban fighters.
Despite being heavily outnumbered, Murphy bravely exposed himself to enemy fire in order to make a radio call for reinforcements. He was shot multiple times but continued the call, providing critical information about their situation. Knowing that rescue was unlikely, he made the decision to move into an open area to gain a better radio signal, exposing himself to even greater danger.
Tragically, Michael Murphy was mortally wounded by enemy fire, but his actions and selfless courage allowed one team member, Marcus Luttrell, to survive. Murphy’s heroic efforts and sacrifice helped to save the lives of his comrades and protected the safety of future U.S. forces.
On October 22, 2007, President George W. Bush presented the Medal of Honor posthumously to Michael Murphy’s parents during a ceremony at the White House. He became the first Navy SEAL to receive the Medal of Honor for actions in Afghanistan and the first recipient in Operation Enduring Freedom. His citation reads: “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.”
Michael Murphy’s legacy and heroism continue to inspire people around the world. His story was further popularized through the book and subsequent movie adaptation, “Lone Survivor,” which chronicles the events of Operation Red Wings. He is remembered for his unwavering commitment to his teammates and the principles of duty, honor, and sacrifice.
Medal of Honor 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.