Posted on 10/22/2007 5:18:01 PM PDT by SandRat
WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2007 President Bush today posthumously presented the Medal of Honor earned by Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a Navy SEAL who sacrificed his life in an attempt to save fellow SEALs during a fierce battle with Taliban fighters in Afghanistan. The Medal of Honor, accepted by Murphys parents, Maureen and Dan Murphy, during a White House ceremony, is the highest military decoration. Murphys is the first Medal of Honor awarded for service in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Today we add Lieutenant Michael Murphys name to the list of recipients who have made the ultimate sacrifice, Bush said. By presenting Michael Murphys family with the Medal of Honor that he earned, a grateful nation remembers the courage of this proud Navy SEAL. On June 28, 2005, as Murphy led a four-man SEAL team in search of key terrorist commander, the unit came under attack by some 50 Taliban fighters. The lieutenant is credited with risking his own life to save the lives of his teammates, according to a summary of action published by the Navy. Despite intense combat around him, Murphy -- already wounded in the firefight -- moved into the open where he could gain a better transmission signal and request backup from headquarters. At one point, Murphy was shot in the back, causing him to drop the transmitter. The lieutenant picked it back up, completed the call and continued firing at the enemy as they closed in. By the time the two-hour gunfight had concluded, Murphy and two others SEALs had been killed. An estimated 35 Taliban died in the fighting. As a somber postscript to Murphys bravery, the helicopter that he requested crashed after being struck by a rocket- propelled grenade, killing everyone on board. In total, 19 Americans died in what Bush referred to as the deadliest for Navy Special Warfare forces since World War II. The president characterized Murphy as a born Navy SEAL. SEALs get their name from operating by sea, air and land, and even as a toddler, Michael could find his way through any obstacle, Bush said. When he was just 18 months old, he darted across a neighbor's yard and dove into the swimming pool. By the time his frantic parents reached him, Michael had swum to the other side with a big smile on his face. In addition to his physical strength, Bush said Murphys strong moral character also was apparent at an early age.
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Biographies: Lt. Michael P. Murphy, USN Related Sites: |
I saw this on another site earlier (Murphy was a ‘98 Penn State grad). What an incredible story.
I feel for his parents. What an honorable sadness.
God Bless you, Lt Murphy, and thank you for your setting an example for all of us to follow.
Marcus Lattrel, in his book "Lone Survivor" estimated that the Taliban force numbered about 200.
what’s the name of the book detailing the Seals’ last stand? Something about last man standing...but I don’t think that’s it. It was written by the only survivor. I think my brother should get a copy for Christmas.
Marcus Lattrel, in his book “Lone Survivor”
listing at amazon.com
Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing
and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10
by Marcus Luttrell
http://www.amazon.com/Lone-Survivor-Eyewitness-Account-Operation/dp/0316067598/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-0284442-4930413?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193100904&sr=1-1
Thanks much, now written down on my Christmas list.
Mine too!!!!
[I can’t believe the President’s touching gesture made it into an AP article!]
MEDAL OF HONOR CEREMONY AT WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON - President Bush publicly honored a fallen Navy SEAL Monday by presenting his grieving parents with the Medal of Honor and privately honored their sacrifice by wearing a dog tag they’d given him moments before.
The president posthumously awarded the nation’s highest military honor for valor to Lt. Michael Murphy of Patchogue, N.Y. the first given for combat in Afghanistan.
Before the emotional White House ceremony, Murphy’s parents Dan and Maureen Murphy met with Bush and gave him a gold dog tag in tribute to their son.
“What we were most touched by was that the president immediately put that on underneath his shirt, and when he made the presentation of the Medal of Honor, he wore that against his chest,” said the father.
After the ceremony, Dan Murphy said, Bush told the family: “I was inspired by having Michael next to my chest.”
The father, who fought back tears during the ceremony, said they were “deeply moved” by Bush’s gesture.
[All right, now I’m in tears!!]
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071022/ap_on_go_pr_wh/medal_of_honor
May I offer you some?
Oh my gosh! Our pastor’s son is a SEAL and is now assigned to Team 10. Big shoes to fill.
Bill O’Reilly, on todays program, talked about Lt. Michael P. Murphy.
O’Reilly had Marcus Lattrel, the author of, Lone Survivor on his program. (It was either O’Reilly or Beck, sorry)
O’Reilly also stated how the media is giving no positive coverage on the war!!!! Thank you Bill O’Reilly for bringing this to the attention of your listeners! Thank You! Thank You!
God Bless Lt. Michael P. Murphy.
In a ‘previous life’ I was married to a Navy SEAL. They are a breed unto themselves, that’s for sure. ;)
For the glory...
President Bush posthumously presented the Medal of Honor earned by Lt. Michael P. Murphy to the Navy SEAL's family
I have never read an MOH's story that didn't move me.
Thank God for this hero!
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