Posted on September 4, 2025 by S. Vincent Anthony
Dear Readers,
In the quiet moments of reflection, as the world hurries by with its fleeting distractions, I am drawn once more to the stories that anchor us—the tales of extraordinary courage that remind us of the true cost of freedom. Today, from the depths of my gratitude as a Cold War veteran, I pay tribute to Lieutenant Michael Patrick Murphy, a Navy SEAL whose life and sacrifice embody the pinnacle of heroism. Known as “Murph” or “The Protector,” his actions during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan earned him the Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest military honor, bestowed posthumously for deeds that saved lives at the expense of his own.
Born on May 7, 1976, in Smithtown, New York, to proud Irish American parents Maureen and Daniel Murphy—a wounded Vietnam War veteran himself—Michael grew up in Patchogue on Long Island. Even as a boy, his protective spirit shone brightly. In 8th grade at Saxton Middle School, he stood up for a child with special needs against bullies, and later, he intervened to defend a homeless man under attack. He thrived in youth soccer and pee-wee football under his father’s coaching, and during college summers, he served as a lifeguard at Brookhaven town beach in Lake Ronkonkoma, always ready to safeguard others.
Michael’s academic prowess was equally impressive. Graduating from Patchogue-Medford High School in 1994, he pursued dual degrees in political science and psychology at Pennsylvania State University, earning honors in 1998. Accepted into several law schools, he instead chose the call of duty, forgoing a comfortable path for one of service. Engaged to his college sweetheart, Heather Duggan, with a wedding planned for November 2005, Michael’s future seemed bright—yet he answered a higher calling.
Commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy on December 13, 2000, after Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida, Michael endured the grueling Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training with Class 236, completing it in November 2001. He further honed his skills at Army Airborne School, SEAL Qualification Training, and SEAL Delivery Vehicle school, earning his SEAL Trident in July 2002. Assigned to SDV Team ONE in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, he deployed to Jordan for Exercise Early Victor, supported Operation Iraqi Freedom in Qatar and Djibouti, and in early 2005, led Alpha Platoon in Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. A poignant detail: he often wore a New York City Fire Department patch from Engine Co. 53, Ladder Co. 43, honoring a friend lost on September 11.
It was on June 28, 2005, in the rugged mountains of Kunar Province during Operation Red Wings, that Michael’s valor reached its zenith. Leading a four-man reconnaissance team—Petty Officers Danny Dietz, Matthew Axelson, and Marcus Luttrell—to surveil Taliban leader Ahmad Shah, they were compromised by local goat herders who alerted enemy forces. Ambushed by 30-40 Taliban fighters, the team fought fiercely against overwhelming odds. In a selfless act, Michael exposed himself to enemy fire to reach higher ground and call for reinforcements via satellite phone. Shot multiple times, he persisted, ensuring help was summoned before succumbing to his wounds. Dietz and Axelson fell alongside him, and a rescue helicopter was tragically shot down, claiming 16 more lives—the deadliest day for U.S. special operations in Afghanistan. Sole survivor Marcus Luttrell was aided by local villagers, and Michael’s body was recovered on July 4, 2005, laid to rest with full honors at Calverton National Cemetery on July 13.
For his extraordinary bravery, Michael was awarded the Medal of Honor by President George W. Bush on October 22, 2007—the first Navy recipient since Vietnam—along with the Purple Heart, Silver Star, and numerous other decorations, totaling 11 medals including the Special Warfare Insignia.
Michael’s legacy endures like a beacon. The USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112), a guided-missile destroyer commissioned in 2012, sails in his name. The LT Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation supports future leaders, while a post office and high school facilities in Patchogue bear his honor. “The Murph Challenge,” an annual CrossFit workout, raises funds for veterans’ causes. His story lives on in books like SEAL of Honor by Gary Williams and the film Lone Survivor, based on Luttrell’s account, inspiring generations to embrace selflessness.
My friends, as a veteran who has known the weight of duty, I am humbled by Michael’s example. In an age of uncertainty, his sacrifice calls us to remember, to teach our youth the value of courage, and to build a world worthy of such heroes. Let us never forget the protectors like Murph, whose light guides us through the darkness.
If this tribute touches your heart, I invite you to explore more stories on my blog and consider supporting this work through a membership. Together, we keep their memories alive.
With deepest respect and gratitude,
S. Vincent Anthony
Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy: A Biography
Lieutenant Michael Patrick Murphy (May 7, 1976 – June 28, 2005) was a United States Navy SEAL officer posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the U.S. military’s highest decoration, for his heroic actions during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan. Known affectionately as “Murph” or “The Protector,” he exemplified courage, leadership, and selflessness throughout his life and service.
Early Life
Born in Smithtown, New York, to Irish American parents Maureen and Daniel Murphy, Michael grew up in Patchogue on Long Island. His father, Daniel, was a wounded Vietnam War veteran and former assistant Suffolk County district attorney. From a young age, Murphy displayed a protective nature: in 8th grade at Saxton Middle School, he defended a child with special needs from bullies, and later intervened when a homeless man was attacked while collecting cans. He played youth soccer and pee-wee football, coached by his father, and worked as a lifeguard at Brookhaven town beach in Lake Ronkonkoma during his college summers.
Education
Murphy graduated from Patchogue-Medford High School in 1994. He attended Pennsylvania State University, where he earned dual degrees in political science and psychology, graduating with honors in 1998. Although accepted into several law schools, he chose a path of military service instead. He was engaged to his college sweetheart, Heather Duggan, with their wedding planned for November 2005.
Military Career
Murphy was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy on December 13, 2000, after attending Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida. He completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training with Class 236 in November 2001, followed by Army Airborne School, SEAL Qualification Training, and SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) school, earning his SEAL Trident in July 2002. Assigned to SDV Team ONE in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, he deployed to Jordan for Exercise Early Victor in 2002, supported Operation Iraqi Freedom in Qatar and Djibouti, and in early 2005, was deployed to Afghanistan as officer in charge of Alpha Platoon, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Murphy often wore a New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Engine Co. 53, Ladder Co. 43 patch to honor a fallen friend from the September 11 attacks.
Operation Red Wings and Death
On June 28, 2005, during Operation Red Wings in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, Murphy led a four-man reconnaissance team (including Petty Officers Danny Dietz, Matthew Axelson, and Marcus Luttrell) tasked with surveilling Taliban leader Ahmad Shah. Compromised by local goat herders who alerted Taliban forces, the team was ambushed by 30-40 fighters. Outnumbered and under heavy fire, Murphy exposed himself to enemy gunfire to reach an open position and call for reinforcements via satellite phone, successfully requesting help despite being shot. He continued fighting until mortally wounded. Dietz and Axelson were also killed, and a rescue MH-47 Chinook helicopter was shot down by an RPG, killing all 16 aboard, marking the deadliest day for U.S. special operations in Afghanistan at the time. Luttrell survived with help from local villagers. Murphy’s body was recovered on July 4, 2005, and he was buried with full military honors at Calverton National Cemetery on July 13, 2005.
Awards and Honors
Murphy received numerous decorations, including the Medal of Honor (presented posthumously by President George W. Bush on October 22, 2007, making him the first Navy recipient since Vietnam), Purple Heart, Silver Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and others. He earned 11 medals in total, along with the Special Warfare Insignia.
Legacy
Murphy’s heroism inspired numerous tributes: the USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112), a guided-missile destroyer commissioned in 2012; the LT Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation; a post office and high school facilities in Patchogue; and “The Murph Challenge,” an annual CrossFit workout benefiting veterans’ causes. Books like SEAL of Honor by Gary Williams and the film Lone Survivor (based on Luttrell’s account) chronicle his story. His legacy continues to honor military sacrifice and inspire service members.
