Medal of Honor Month: Lt. Michael P. Murphy
Lt. Michael Patrick Murphy was a U.S. Navy SEAL who received a posthumous Medal of Honor for his service in Afghanistan.
By Jessica Evans
Updated on Mar 17, 2025
Navy file photo of SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy
Lt. Michael Patrick Murphy was a U.S. Navy SEAL who received a posthumous Medal of Honor for his service in Afghanistan. He became the first member of the Navy to earn the award since the Vietnam War.
Background
A distinguished scholar, Murphy attended Pennsylvania State University, earning dual degrees in political science and psychology. Upon graduation, he joined the military and enrolled at the Merchant Marine Academy, training to become a SEAL. Murphy eventually earned his SEAL Trident in July 2002.
Deployment
In 2005, Murphy deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. In June of that year, he traveled with three other service members into the steep mountains of Kunar Province on a special reconnaissance mission. Along with Danny Dietz, Matthew Axelson, and Marcus Luttrell, Murphy was charged with tracking a high-ranking member of the Taliban, Ahmad Shah. Shah had become the leader of the Mountain Tigers, an insurgent group gaining influence in the northeast.
lone survivor
Navy file photo of Navy SEALs operating in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. From left to right, sonar technician (surface) Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew G. Axelson, of Cupertino, Calif.; Senior Chief information systems technician Daniel R. Healy, of Exeter, N.H.; quartermaster Petty Officer 2nd Class James Suh, of Deerfield Beach, Fla.; hospital corpsman Petty Officer 2nd Class Marcus Luttrell; machinist’s mate Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric S. Patton, of Boulder City, Nev.; and Lt. Michael P. Murphy, of Patchogue, N.Y. With the exception of Luttrell, all were killed June 28, 2005, by enemy forces while supporting Operation Red Wing.
MoH Citation:
Navy file photo of SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy, from Patchogue, N.Y.
“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.
https://www.wearethemighty.com/history/moh-monday-lt-michael-p-murphy/
