WAR IN AFGHANISTAN: MICHAEL PATRICK MURPHY
researching some of these guys really hit a nerve with me— i scrolled the entire roster and was seriously moved by some of these citations. as we’ve watched this botched withdrawal of afghanistan all week, i had to remind myself that the guys who died over there did not die in vain— their sacrifice should continue to be honored, and they should never ever be forgotten.
i was talking to one of my closest friends (who is equally appalled by the situation that’s been playing out) and we asked each-other the question “was it worth it?” we sat in silence for a bit as we really had to dive deep for the answer— i could tell he was struggling with an answer, and as did i. we both concluded that we didn’t NECESSARILY have an answer but we had a gut instinct.
i saw a video going around of an afghan soldier telling his commander that he refuses to give up his rifle to the taliban— he would rather die for his country than watch it fall to the tyrannical regime. the footage reminded me that we trained these guys— us forces not only educated them in the physical traits of war, but we simultaneously instilled a sense of national pride in them too. the us is a force for good, i truly believe that— but sometimes, even the good guys fail.
even when we fail, we can’t ever forget the SACRIFICE that our american sons made in the pursuit of freedom.
MICHAEL PATRICK MURPHY
DATE OF BIRTH: MAY 7, 1976
PLACE OF BIRTH:
SMITHTOWN, NEW YORK
HOME OF RECORD:
PATCHOGUE, NEW YORK
MEDAL OF HONOR
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING: Global War on Terror
Service: NAVY
Battalion: naval special warfare task unit
CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Michael Patrick Murphy, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a member of SEAL DELIVERY Vehicle Team ONE and 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.
