Michael Murphy: The Navy SEAL Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice

Michael Patrick Murphy was a United States Navy SEAL officer who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military decoration, for his actions during the War in Afghanistan. He was the first member of the United States Navy to receive the award since the Vietnam War.
Murphy was born on May 7, 1976, in Smithtown, New York. He attended Penn State University, where he played football and was a member of the Navy ROTC program. After graduating in 1998, he was commissioned as an ensign in the United States Navy.
Murphy completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in 2000 and was assigned to SEAL Team 3. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2002, where he served as the assistant officer-in-charge of a four-man SEAL element in support of Operation Red Wings.
On June 28, 2005, Murphy's team was attacked by a much larger force of Taliban insurgents in the mountains of Kunar Province. Murphy was shot and killed during the battle, but not before he had called in air support and directed his team's fire.
Murphy's actions saved the lives of his teammates, and he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery and selfless sacrifice.
Murphy's story is a reminder of the sacrifices that our military members make every day. He was a true American hero, and his legacy will live on forever.
In Memoriam
Michael Patrick Murphy
May 7, 1976 - June 28, 2005
Medal of Honor Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 28 June 2005, while serving as Officer-in-Charge of a four-man SEAL element in support of Operation Red Wings, a reconnaissance mission in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Lieutenant Murphy demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger in the vicinity of Asadabad, Afghanistan. While conducting a reconnaissance mission, Lieutenant Murphy and his team were ambushed by enemy forces. Lieutenant Murphy immediately returned fire and directed his men to do the same, despite being outnumbered. Despite the overwhelming enemy fire, Lieutenant Murphy continued to provide cover for his men while calling for air support. Lieutenant Murphy repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire in order to maintain communications and direct air strikes against the enemy. Lieutenant Murphy and his team fought valiantly until his team was separated and he was mortally wounded. Lieutenant Murphy's extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty saved the lives of his teammates and contributed to the success of the mission.