Medal of Honor: Michael P. Murphy – War in Afghanistan, June 27–28, 2005

Medal of Honor: Michael P. Murphy – War in Afghanistan, June 27–28, 2005
Michael P. Murphy
Lieutenant, U.S. Navy
Conflict: War in Afghanistan
Unit: SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1, Naval Special Warfare Task Unit
Date of Action: June 27–28, 2005
Location: Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan

Summary of Action:
Michael Patrick Murphy was born on May 7, 1976, in Smithtown, New York, and raised in the town of Patchogue on Long Island. Known for his quiet strength and sense of justice, he earned the nickname “The Protector” after defending a student with special needs from bullies in middle school. A natural leader and scholar-athlete, he graduated from Penn State University with honors in 1998, earning dual degrees in political science and psychology. Despite acceptance to several law schools, Murphy chose a different path: one of service. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and completed the grueling SEAL training in 2001, earning his trident and a place among America’s elite warriors.

By 2005, Murphy had become a team leader with SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1 and deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Red Wings, a mission to locate and disrupt anti-coalition militia leadership in the rugged Hindu Kush mountains near Asadabad, Konar Province. On June 27, Murphy led a four-man reconnaissance team deep into enemy territory. His teammates were Petty Officer Second Class Matthew Axelson, Petty Officer Second Class Danny Dietz, and Hospital Corpsman Second Class Marcus Luttrell.

On June 28, after being discovered by local goat herders—whom the SEALs released in accordance with the Rules of Engagement—the team’s location was compromised. Soon, an overwhelming force of 30 to 40 Taliban fighters descended upon them. From the start of the ambush, Murphy remained calm and focused, coordinating the team's defense through steep terrain, despite being pinned down by relentless enemy fire.

All four SEALs were wounded in the initial firefight. Murphy moved between cover positions, returning fire and maintaining communication with his team. When their radioman, Danny Dietz, was mortally wounded, Murphy realized their only chance of survival was to call for help. Knowing the team’s radio signal was blocked by the terrain, he left the safety of cover and climbed into the open, fully exposed to hostile fire. While being shot at from multiple directions, he made a satellite phone call to Bagram Air Base, calmly giving his unit’s position and requesting immediate support.

Even after being shot in the back during the call, Murphy completed the transmission and returned to the fight. His final act of defiance and courage allowed rescue forces to locate his team. He continued firing at the enemy until he was fatally wounded.

Only one man, Marcus Luttrell, would survive the battle. A quick reaction force was launched to extract the team, but a rescue helicopter carrying eight SEALs and eight Night Stalkers from the 160th SOAR was shot down, killing all aboard. Operation Red Wings became one of the deadliest days in SEAL history.

Lieutenant Murphy’s selfless leadership, resolve under fire, and refusal to abandon his teammates marked him as a man of rare courage. He posthumously became the first U.S. Navy SEAL to be awarded the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War. His name endures on ships, schools, and memorials—but more than that, in the hearts of those who value honor, service, and sacrifice.

Medal of Honor Citation:
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 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, 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.