Michael P. Murphy: A Leader's Unwavering Courage on Operation Red Wings

Michael P. Murphy
A Leader's Unwavering Courage on Operation Red Wings

Name: Michael Patrick Murphy 

Branch: USN 

Unit: SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1 (SDVT-1) 

Station Assigned: Pearl Harbor, HI 

Hometown: Patchogue, NY 

Family: Michael Murphy is survived by his parents, Maureen and Daniel Murphy; and his brother, John. 

Fallen on: June 28th, 2005

Michael Patrick Murphy was more than just a Navy SEAL; he was a dedicated leader and a man of immense courage who made the ultimate sacrifice on June 28th, 2005, during the harrowing events of Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan's Kunar Province. At 29 years old, his actions in the face of overwhelming enemy forces exemplified the highest ideals of service and bravery.

Born and raised in Patchogue, New York, Michael, often called "Murph" by his teammates, displayed a natural inclination towards protection and leadership from a young age. After graduating from Pennsylvania State University with degrees in political science and psychology, he initially considered law school but felt a profound calling to serve his country. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September 2000, embarking on the demanding path to becoming a Navy SEAL.

Lieutenant (SEAL) Murphy excelled throughout the rigorous Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training and SEAL Qualification Training (SQT). His dedication and tactical prowess led to his assignment to SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where he honed his skills in clandestine maritime operations. However, it was as the officer-in-charge of a four-man reconnaissance team during Operation Red Wings that his legendary bravery would be etched into the annals of naval history.

Tasked with locating a high-value Taliban target, Lieutenant Murphy and his team found themselves in a brutal firefight after their position was compromised. Facing a significantly larger and well-armed enemy force, Murphy demonstrated extraordinary leadership and selflessness. Despite sustaining severe injuries early in the engagement, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to make contact with headquarters, seeking desperately needed reinforcements for his beleaguered team.

In a final act of incredible courage, knowing the only way to get a clear signal was in the open, Lieutenant Murphy moved to an exposed position, continuing to transmit vital information that ultimately aided in the rescue of the operation's lone survivor, Marcus Luttrell. His unwavering resolve and heroic actions cost him his life, but his bravery undoubtedly saved another.

For his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, Michael P. Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military decoration. The official citation reads, in part, that Murphy demonstrated "extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger," and that his "selfless leadership, courageous actions, and extraordinary devotion to duty... upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service." He was the first person to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in Afghanistan and the first Navy recipient since the Vietnam War.

Michael P. Murphy's legacy extends far beyond his heroic actions on that fateful day. He is remembered as a devoted son, brother, and a fiercely loyal teammate. His name has become synonymous with selfless service and the ultimate sacrifice.

To learn more about Michael P. Murphy and other fallen heroes, please visit:

On behalf of myself and everyone at Bonefrog Coffee, I want to express our deepest condolences to the family of Michael P. Murphy who gave his life for our country. Words cannot capture the weight of this loss or the gratitude we feel for his courage and sacrifice. He was more than a warrior—he was a brother, a patriot, and a man whose dedication to protecting our freedom will forever inspire us. His sacrifice will never be forgotten, and his memory will live on in our hearts and in the values we strive to uphold. To his family, we share in your grief and stand with you, honoring his legacy with unwavering respect and gratitude.

Long Live The Brotherhood!

Tim Cruickshank LCDR, USN (SEAL) Ret. and the Bonefrog Coffee Team

 

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