THANKFUL THURSDAY

 Michael P Murphy LT. USN

Citation:

"The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to

LIEUTENANT MICHAEL P. MURPHY
UNITED STATES NAVY
For service as set forth in the following CITATION:

    For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and 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 the 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 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, Lieutenant Murphy reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service." 

Other honors

In addition to the Medal of Honor, his military awards and his inscription on the Hall of Heroes in the Pentagon, Lt. Murphy has received at least 3 other honors between May 7, 2006 and June 2009.

Michael P. Murphy Memorial Park

On May 7, 2006, on what would have been his 30th birthday, Murphy’s hometown dedicated the Michael P. Murphy Memorial Park; formerly Lake Ronkonkoma Park. The park contains a black granite wall dedicated to the men lost in Operation Red Wing, with each member’s name inscribed. A black granite stone embedded in the plaza bears the picture of Murphy and his Medal of Honor

 Michael P. Murphy United States Post Office
A color picture of Daniel and Maureen Murphy standing next to a monument in front of the Michael P. Murphy Post Office in Patchogue, New York. The monument has a purple heart and some wording inscribed on it and there are 2 men in the background.
Daniel and Maureen Murphy stand next to a monument in front of the Michael P. Murphy Post Office in Patchogue, New York.

On May 7, 2007 the Michael P. Murphy United States Post Office was dedicated in Patchogue, New York. The request to rename the United States Postal Office located at 170 East Main Street in Patchogue, New York was submitted as bill H.R. 4101 to the 109th Congress. On January 3, 2006 the 109th congress approved the request and on August 1, 2006 it was signed by President George W. Bush and became Public Law No: 109-256.

    "The facility of the United States Postal Service located at 170 East Main Street in Patchogue, New York, shall be known and designated as the `Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy Post Office Building."
 

 U.S.S. Michael Murphy DDG-112

On May 7, 2008 the United States Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter announced that DDG-112, the last planned US Arleigh Burke class destroyer at the time, would be named USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112) in honor of Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy.[