Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy was a sailor in the U.S. Navy who was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions between June 27 and 28, 2005 near Asadabad, Afghanistan during the war in Afghanistan. At the time he was serving with U.S. Navy SEALS. Murphy was 29 years old.
Murphy was killed in the action for which his medal was awarded. The medal was presented on October 22, 2007, 2 years after the action — at the White House to his parents from President George W. Bush.
Murphy was born on May 7, 1976 in Smithtown, Suffolk County, New York. His Medal of Honor is credited to Patchogue, Suffolk County, New York. He is buried at Calverton National Cemetery in Section 67, New York.
Murphy is one of 22 Medal of Honor recipients from the war in Afghanistan and one of 678 credited to New York.
Official Medal of Honor citation
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.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Wounds and death in action
What the citation records about his wounds:
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.
- Killed in action during the act for which the medal was awarded (June 28, 2005).
- Manner of death: death in battle
- Age at death: 29
- Resting place: Calverton National Cemetery
Cause and manner of death: Wikidata.
Other decorations and honors
Besides the Medal of Honor, Michael P. Murphy received:
Source: Wikidata. Gold chips link to our guide to that decoration.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: War in Afghanistan (2001–2021).
Life beyond the battlefield
- Education: United States Navy SEAL selection and training, officer candidate school, United States Merchant Marine Academy, Patchogue-Medford High School, United States Army Airborne School
Source: Wikidata.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in New York →
Timeline
- May 7, 1976Born in Smithtown, Suffolk County, New York
- June 27 - 28, 2005Act of valor — Near Asadabad, AfghanistanAge 29. U.S. Navy SEALS Killed in action.
- October 22, 2007Medal of Honor presented posthumouslyAt the White House to his parents from President George W. Bush
- Resting placeCalverton National CemeterySection 67, New York
Biography
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. He was the first member of the United States Navy (USN) to receive the award since the Vietnam War. His other posthumous awards include the Silver Star Medal and the Purple Heart. Michael Murphy was born and raised in Suffolk County, New York. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University with honors and dual degrees in political science and psychology. After college he accepted a commission in the USN and became a United States Navy SEAL in July 2002.
From the Wikipedia article “Michael P. Murphy”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
Named in his honor
- LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum — museum
- Murph Challenge
- USS Michael Murphy — guided missile destroyer
Videos
Videos load from Vimeo only after you press play.
