First Navy MoH since Vietnam to go to SEAL
October 14th, 2007 . by TexasFredSAN DIEGO — Two years after his death in a harrowing firefight on a mountaintop in Afghanistan, Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a SEAL from Patchogue, N.Y., will receive the nation’s highest combat honor, Navy officials said.
A Navy spokeswoman confirmed Oct. 11 the decision by President Bush approving the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor, the first for the Navy for the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Murphy, 29, was leading a four-man reconnaissance and surveillance team during Operation Red Wing in Afghanistan’s rugged Hindu Kush mountains June 28, 2005, when the team was spotted by Taliban fighters. During the intense battle that followed, Murphy and two of his men — Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Danny Dietz and Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class (SEAL) Matthew Axelson — were killed. A fourth man, then-Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (SEAL) Marcus Luttrell, was seriously wounded and knocked unconscious, but managed to escape. Luttrell was rescued days later.
Murphy was killed while phoning in for reinforcements. The tragedy continued when enemy fighters shot down one of the transport helicopters carrying the rescue force, killing eight more SEALs and eight Special Forces operators. The 11 SEALs killed marked the largest single-day loss of life for the tight-knit community.
Bush will present the Medal of Honor to Murphy’s parents, Daniel and Maureen, and his brother, John, on Oct. 22 at a 2:30 p.m. ceremony in the White House.
Full Story Here:
First Navy MoH since Vietnam to go to SEAL
I stand and salute this fine young warrior, he gave his all for his God, his nation and his honor, Lt. Murphy is an American Hero in every sense of the word, he made the ultimate sacrifice and a man can aspire to no higher honor than to have given his ALL for that which he believes in…
Semper Fi Lt. Michael P. Murphy, I’m hoping that you’re walking the streets of Heaven, chuckling about how everyone is making such a big deal out of what you did, because if you were the MAN that I am certain you were, I’m very sure your response to WHY did you do the things you did would be, “I was just doing my job…”
I would be remiss in my duty if I didn’t acknowledge my friend and fellow blogger, Dr. Bill Smith of ARRA News Service for reminding of this great warrior and his award being presented…
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Truly a humbling post, but still I feel a lot of pride as an American knowing that we have American heroes such as Lt. Murphy. How unfortunate to have lost his life but he undoubtedly believed in something greater than himself and that is powerful.
John 15:13,14 “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
Thank you Lt. Michael Murphy. We bid you “Fair Winds and Following Seas.”
Let us remember to pray for Michael’s parents and family and friends as they attend several ceremonies on October 22nd.
Bill Smith, Ph.D., Major, USAF-Retired
The acts of heroism, like this man’s, are phenomenal. These men and the thousands like them are what make this country the best in the world.
Has any one noticed that the Medal of Honor, in this War on Terror, has only been awarded posthumously? Why no living recipients of the Medal?