Michael P. Murphy

Michael P. Murphy
Color photograph of Michael Murphy, a U.S. Navy officer, wearing a military dress uniform. There is a blue background behind him and he is wearing a gold Navy Seal Trident, two blue and green striped ribbons, one red and yellow striped ribbon and gold parachute insignia wings below the ribbons.
Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy
Nickname(s)"Murph", "Mikey", "The Protector"
Born(1976-05-07)May 7, 1976
Smithtown, New York, United States
DiedJune 28, 2005(2005-06-28) (aged 29)
Kunar Province, Afghanistan
Buried
Calverton National Cemetery
Calverton, New York
AllegianceUnited States
Service / branchUnited States Navy
Years of service2000–2005
RankLieutenant
UnitUnited States Navy SEALs
Battles / warsWar in Afghanistan
AwardsMedal of Honor
Purple Heart
Alma materPennsylvania State University

Michael Patrick Murphy (May 7, 1976 – June 28, 2005) was a United States Navy SEAL officer who was awarded the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the War in Afghanistan. He was the first member of the United States Navy to receive the award since the Vietnam War.[1] His other posthumous awards include the Silver Star Medal[2][3][n 1] and the Purple Heart.

Michael Murphy was born and raised in Suffolk County, New York. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University with honors and dual degrees in political science and psychology. After college he accepted a commission in the United States Navy and became a United States Navy SEAL in July 2002. After participating in several War on Terrorism missions, he was killed on June 28, 2005, after his team was compromised and surrounded by Taliban forces near Asadabad, Afghanistan.

The U.S. Navy ship USS Michael Murphy and several civilian and military buildings have been named in his honor.

  1. ^ "Now there are nine: Medal of Honor recipients since U.S forces entered Afghanistan". July 12, 2011.
  2. ^ "Key Senate Committee Approves Clinton Bill To Rename Patchogue Post Office In Honor Of Lt. Michael Murphy". Charles Schumer United States Senator for New York. July 26, 2006. Archived from the original on March 3, 2022. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  3. ^ Williams 2010, p. 28 (Silver Star Citation).


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