Michael P. Murphy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Michael P. Murphy
Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy
Nickname(s)	"Murph", "Mikey", "The Protector"
Born	(1976-05-07)May 7, 1976 Smithtown, New York, United States
Died	June 28, 2005(2005-06-28) (aged 29) Kunar Province, Afghanistan
Buried	Calverton National Cemetery Calverton, New York
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Navy
Years of service	2000–2005
Rank	Lieutenant
Unit	United States Navy SEALs SDV Team 1
Battles/wars	War in Afghanistan Operation Red Wings  †
Awards	Medal of Honor Purple Heart
Alma mater	Pennsylvania State University

Michael Patrick Murphy (May 7, 1976 – June 28, 2005) was a brave officer in the United States Navy SEALs. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military. He earned this award for his actions during the War in Afghanistan.

Michael Murphy was the first person in the United States Navy to get the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War. He also received other awards after his death, like the Silver Star Medal and the Purple Heart.

He grew up in Suffolk County, New York. He studied at Pennsylvania State University and earned two degrees. After college, he joined the United States Navy and became a Navy SEAL in 2002. He served in several missions during the War on Terrorism. Michael Murphy was killed on June 28, 2005, during a mission in Afghanistan.

A U.S. Navy ship, the USS Michael Murphy, and other buildings are named in his honor.

Early life and education

Michael Murphy was born on May 7, 1976, in Smithtown, New York. His parents were Maureen and Daniel Murphy. His father was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Michael grew up in Patchogue, New York.

He played youth soccer and pee-wee football in middle school. His father was his coach. In high school, he continued playing sports. He also worked as a lifeguard during the summers.

Friends called Murphy "Murph." In high school, he was known as "The Protector." Once, in 8th grade, he helped a child with special needs. The child was being bullied, and Murphy stepped in to stop it. His parents were very proud of him for this. He also helped a homeless man who was being attacked.

In 1994, Murphy finished high school at Patchogue-Medford High School. He then went to The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State). He graduated in 1998 with degrees in political science and psychology. Michael Murphy was planning to marry his college sweetheart, Heather Duggan, in November 2005.

Career in the Navy SEALs

Murphy in Afghanistan

Navy SEALs of Operation Red Wings, with Murphy on the far right

The map given to the U.S. Navy SEALs detailing their mission.

After graduating from Penn State, Murphy thought about going to law school. Instead, he decided to join the SEAL program. In September 2000, he joined the U.S. Navy's Officer Candidate School. He became an officer in December 2000.

In January 2001, he started Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training. This is a very tough training program for SEALs. He finished BUD/S in November 2001.

After BUD/S, he completed more specialized training. He earned his SEAL Trident in July 2002. This showed he was a fully qualified Navy SEAL. He then joined SDV Team ONE (SDVT-1) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He deployed to Jordan, Qatar, and Djibouti for various missions.

Combat in Afghanistan

In early 2005, Murphy was sent to Afghanistan. He was part of Operation Enduring Freedom. While there, Murphy wore a patch from the FDNY Engine Co. 53, Ladder Co. 43. He wore it to remember the terrorist attacks on September 11th and a friend who died that day.

Operation Red Wings

Operation Red Wings was a mission to fight against insurgents in Kunar province, Afghanistan. It involved a four-man team of Navy SEALs. Lieutenant Murphy led this team. The other members were Danny Dietz, Matthew Axelson, and Marcus Luttrell.

Their mission was to watch a top Taliban leader named Ahmad Shah. He led a group called the "Mountain Tigers." The SEAL team was dropped by helicopter in a remote, mountainous area.

After they arrived, local goat herders found their location. The team let the herders go, as they couldn't tell if they were a threat. However, these locals might have told nearby Taliban forces about the SEALs. Soon, the small team was surrounded and attacked.

During the intense fight, Murphy bravely moved into an open area. He did this to get a clear signal for his satellite phone. He needed to call for help. Even after being shot, he picked up the phone and finished the call. He kept fighting from his exposed spot until he died from his wounds.

Reinforcements were sent on an MH-47 Chinook helicopter. Sadly, the helicopter was shot down by a RPG. All 16 people on board were killed. Eight were SEALs, and eight were from the 160th SOAR.

Murphy, Dietz, and Axelson were all killed in the battle. Luttrell was the only U.S. survivor. He was later rescued by friendly Afghan villagers. All three of Murphy's teammates received the Navy Cross for their bravery. With Murphy's Medal of Honor, their team became the most decorated in Navy SEAL history.

Death

Murphy's grave at Calverton National Cemetery

Michael Murphy died on June 28, 2005, during Operation Red Wings. He left his cover to get a signal for his satellite phone. He needed to contact headquarters and ask for help. He was shot but still managed to finish the call. Murphy then kept fighting from his exposed position until he died.

On July 4, 2005, American soldiers found Murphy's body. His remains were returned to the United States. On July 13, he was buried with full military honors at Calverton National Cemetery.

Awards and decorations

Medal of Honor

On October 11, 2007, the Bush administration announced that Murphy would receive the Medal of Honor. It was given to him after his death. The ceremony took place at the White House on October 22, 2007.

The Medal of Honor is the highest military award in the United States. It is given to a service member who shows incredible bravery. This means acting "above and beyond the call of duty" while risking their life against an enemy. Often, this award is given after a person has died.

The parents of Lt. Murphy receive his medal from President Bush.

President George W. Bush presented Murphy's Medal of Honor to his parents on October 22, 2007.

Legacy and honors

During his time in the military, Murphy received 11 different awards. These include the Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, and Navy Commendation Medal. After his death, many things were named in his honor.

• A memorial at Penn State University was built by the class of 2011.
• The Michael P. Murphy Memorial Park is in his hometown.
• On May 7, 2007, the Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy United States Post Office was dedicated in Patchogue, New York.

Daniel and Maureen Murphy stand next to a monument in front of the Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy Post Office in Patchogue, New York.

• The USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112) is a Arleigh Burke|destroyer ship. On May 7, 2008, the Secretary of the Navy announced it would be named after Murphy. His mother, Maureen Murphy, christened the ship on May 7, 2011. This was on what would have been his 35th birthday.

Maureen Murphy breaks a bottle of champagne to christen the ship named after her son, USS Michael Murphy.

• The Lt. Michael P. Murphy Combat Training Pool was dedicated on July 9, 2009. This pool is at the Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island. It is used for swim training for officer candidates.

Guests tour the new Lt. Michael Murphy Combat Training Pool during a dedication ceremony at Officer Training Command, Newport. The pool will be used by officer candidates and students at Officer Training Command Newport for swim qualifications.

• The LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum is in West Sayville, New York. It tells the story of Naval Special Warfare operators. It also has a training facility for the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

Murph workout

Murphy created his own workout called "Body Armor." It was a CrossFit-style workout. It included running, pull-ups, push-ups, and squats. He did these exercises while wearing a 16.4 lb (7.4 kg) body armor vest.

After Murphy's death, this workout became popular among SEAL teams. It could be done almost anywhere with little equipment. On August 17, 2005, the founder of CrossFit, Greg Glassman, shared the workout online.

Now, this workout is often done on Memorial Day. It is performed at gyms, military bases, and Navy ships worldwide. The workout is called the "Murph Challenge" in his honor. It involves a one-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats, and another one-mile run, all while wearing a weighted vest.

See also

• List of post-Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipients