The citation reads as follows: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor to Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, as 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 his 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 an 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. Thank you, Lieutenant. Rest in peace.
His team was discovered by 3 goat herders, he had the opertunity to kill them but let them go instead. IMHO not a smart move. Not only did he compromise his mission, he compromised his team. He himself and 2 of the other seals killed due to his choice to let the goat herders go. OGM
Hey goatman can you imagine the shitstorm that wouldve followed had they shot those goat herding "civilians"? You dont think some douchebag journalist wouldve found out about that and thrown a damn fit. In my opinion this shows that civilians are not being targeted. That our men on the ground have a respect for human life and arent going to kill someone strolling around the mountains. Even though they knew the 3 were heading to tell their buddies. They did the "right" thing by letting the 3 go. But they did the "wrong" thing in the world they live in. Ive got a great book with all Medal of Honor citations. Its insane what people have done in order to save their brothers in arms. Why are more people not talking about what this guy did? Our country has really reached a point where no respect is shown toward anyone in a uniform. I just dont get it. Semper Fi
Here is the problem.... We aren't at war.... period. We are involved in a police action that we can't win, and our troops shouldn't be put in a position like this. If we we're at war, kill the goatherders, war is a nasty business, people die. As it is they use terms like "fighting for our freedom", and it's not real. I mean really, does anybody think that if we weren't in Iraq, our freedom would be in jeopardy? Our boys aren't fighting for freedom, they're fighting for politics...... it's shameful (not to them but to the ones who sent them). I have no animosity toward our soldiers, I was one. Are there heroic deeds happening, yes, definately. Should they be in a position to need those heroic deeds, no.
Don't get me wrong I have nothing but respect for the man, he did what I was unable to. That is become a seal (my eyes weren't good enough). But I do think he made the wrong choice. OGM Former US Navy Corpsman 2nd and 3rd MAR. DIV.
Whether we like it or not, he made a humanitarian choice, not a warrior's choice. That said, if the public stories are the truth, the award was correctly made. Even tho' it was his choice to take a risk that should not have been taken, he did the best he possibly could to mitigate the damage. The mission and his troops suffered, and that is the message his choice made clear. May he rest in peace.
