For Murph...

Posted By Blackfive

Update: Tonight on CBS, Katie Couric will interview the Murphys...

Below the links to our posts about US Navy SEAL Lieutenant Michael Murphy and the fight at Asadabad, Afghanistan, is the text of the President's speech and citation for Lieutenant Michael Murphy's Medal of Honor.

Froggy Ruminations - SEAL Memorial at the Punchbowl MUST READ
Froggy Ruminations - The One
Pundit Review - Blackfive podcast about the battle
Blackfive (Froggy) - Axelson and Dietz to Receive Navy Crosses
Blackfive (Froggy) - Mike Murphy Beach
Blackfive - "HERO" - SEAL Lieutenant Mike Murphy Considered for MOH
Blackfive - Danny Dietz - Navy SEAL Hero's Memorial Opposed
Blackfive - Marcus Luttrell is "The One" - Sole Surviving Navy SEAL
Blackfive - US Navy SEAL Danny Dietz Memorial
Blackfive - Navy SEAL Lieutenant Michael Murphy to receive the MOH
Blackfive (DeeBow) - Someone that everyone, even the NYT should know....

 

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT

AT PRESENTATION OF THE MEDAL OF HONOR

TO LIEUTENANT MICHAEL P. MURPHY, U.S. NAVY

 

     THE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon, and welcome to the White House.  The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration that a President can bestow.  It recognizes gallantry that goes above and beyond the call of duty in the face of an enemy attack.  The tradition of awarding this honor began during the Civil War.  And many of those who have received the medal have given their lives in the action that earned it. 

    Today, we add Lieutenant Michael Murphy's name to the list of recipients who have made the ultimate sacrifice.  Deep in the mountains of Afghanistan, this brave officer gave his life in defense of his fellow Navy SEALs.  Two years later, the story of his sacrifice humbles and inspires all who hear it.  And by presenting Michael Murphy's family with the Medal of Honor that he earned, a grateful nation remembers the courage of this proud Navy SEAL.

     I welcome the Vice President; Senator Ted Stevens; Senator Chuck Schumer, from Lieutenant Murphy's home state.  I appreciate very much the fact that Congressman Tim Bishop, from Lieutenant Murphy's district, is with us today.  Welcome.  Thank you all for coming.

     I appreciate the fact that Deputy Secretary Gordon England has joined us; Secretary Pete Geren of the Army; Secretary Don Winter of the Navy; Secretary Mike Wynne of the Air Force; Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs; Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations; and all who wear the nation's uniform. Welcome.

      I appreciate the fact that we've got Barney Barnum, Tom Kelley, Tommy Norris, and Mike Thornton, Medal of Honor recipients, with us today.

      We do welcome Dan Murphy and Maureen Murphy, father and mother of Michael Murphy; John Murphy, his brother; and other family members that are with us today.

     It's my honor to welcome all the friends and comrades of Lieutenant Michael Murphy to the White House.  And I want to thank Chaplain Bob Burt, Chief of Chaplains, for his opening prayer.

     Looking back on his childhood in Patchogue, New York, you might say that Michael Murphy was born to be a Navy SEAL.  SEALs get their name from operating by sea, air, and land -- and even as a toddler, Michael could find his way through any obstacle.  When he was just 18 months old, he darted across a neighbor's yard, and dove into the swimming pool.  By the time his frantic parents reached him, Michael had swum to the other side with a big smile on his face.  As he grew older, Michael learned to swim from one side of a nearby lake to the other -- and he developed into a talented all-around athlete. 

      But beyond his physical strength, Michael Murphy was blessed with a powerful sense of right and wrong.  This sense came from devoted parents who taught him to love his neighbor -- and defend those who could not defend themselves. Well, Michael took these lessons to heart.  One day in school, he got into a scuffle sticking up for a student with a disability.  It's the only time his parents ever got a phone call from the principal -- and they couldn't have been prouder.  Michael's passion for helping others led him to become a caring brother, a tutor, a lifeguard, and eventually, a member of the United States Armed Forces.

      Michael's decision to join the military wasn't an easy one for his family.  As a Purple Heart recipient during Vietnam, Michael's father understood the sacrifices that accompany a life of service.  He also understood that his son was prepared to make these sacrifices.  After graduating from Penn State with honors, Michael accepted a commission in the Navy -- and later, set off for SEAL training.  Fewer than a third of those who begin this intense training program graduate to become Navy SEALs.  Yet there was little doubt about the determined lieutenant from New York.  And in 2002, Michael earned his Navy SEAL Trident.

     Michael also earned the respect of his men.  They remember a wise-cracking friend who went by "Mikey" or "Murph."  They remember a patriot who wore a New York City firehouse patch on his uniform in honor of the heroes of 9/11.  And they remember an officer who respected their opinions, and led them with an understated, yet unmistakable, sense of command.  Together, Michael and his fellow SEALs deployed multiple times around the world in the war against the extremists and radicals.  And while their missions were often carried out in secrecy, their love of country and devotion to each other was always clear. 

      On June 28th, 2005, Michael would give his life for these ideals.  While conducting surveillance on a mountain ridge in Afghanistan, he and three fellow SEALs were surrounded by a much larger enemy force.  Their only escape was down the side of a mountain -- and the SEALs launched a valiant counterattack while cascading from cliff to cliff.  But as the enemy closed in, Michael recognized that the survival of his men depended on calling back to the base for reinforcements.  With complete disregard for his own life, he moved into a clearing where his phone would get reception.  He made the call, and Michael then fell under heavy fire.  Yet his grace and upbringing never deserted him.  Though severely wounded, he said "thank you" before hanging up, and returned to the fight -- before losing his life. 

     Unfortunately, the helicopter carrying the reinforcements never reached the scene.  It crashed after being struck by a rocket-propelled grenade. And in the end, more Americans died in Afghanistan on June 28th, 2005 than on any other day since the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom.  This day of tragedy also has the sad distinction of being the deadliest for Navy Special Warfare forces since World War II.

      One of Michael's fellow SEALs did make it off the mountain ridge -- he was one of Michael's closest friends.  Petty Officer Marcus Luttrell of Texas, author of a riveting book called "Lone Survivor," put it this way: "Mikey was the best officer I ever knew, an iron-souled warrior of colossal and almost unbelievable courage in the face of the enemy." 

      For his courage, we award Lieutenant Michael Murphy the first Medal of Honor for combat in Afghanistan. And with this medal, we acknowledge a debt that will not diminish with time -- and can never be repaid.   

      Our nation is blessed to have volunteers like Michael who risk their lives for our freedom.  We're blessed to have mothers and fathers like Maureen and Dan Murphy who raise sons of such courage and character.  And we're blessed with the mercy of a loving God who comforts all those who grieve.

      And now I ask Michael's parents to join on stage, and the Military Aide will read the citation.   

     MILITARY AIDE: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor to Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, United States Navy, 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 his 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 an 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.

     (The Medal of Honor is presented to Lieutenant Michael Murphy's parents.)

 

                        END           2:45 P.M. EDT

Update 2:  Hot Air has the video of the ceremony.  Nine minutes worth your time.

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Comments

[Texan_Eagle_Scout]

After reading "Lone Survivor" I can't think of a better, more deserving recipient of this decoration. Though they already know it, I am gladdened by the public recognition of the son they Murphy family raised. He was a credit to our country and to his family. Thank you.

I wonder why there have been so few awarded when there are many fine examples of selflessness and courage highlighted here on Blackfive who in my opinion are deserving as well.

[Wyoming96]

I am so glad that Lt. Murphy was given the Medal of Honor. I had gone to the memorial and statue dedication for Danny Dietz, but until a couple of weeks ago had not read "Lone Survivor". I knew from all the comments and blog entries here and elsewhere that that book would be a tough read.

It was. We are all the richer for all those men who gave their life while standing on the front lines of America. The courage and honor shown is something I will never forget.

My thanks to the Murphy family for raising such an amazing man - an American we can all recognize as a true hero.

Nina

[Deltabravo]

It didn't look like there was a dry eye in the room. God bless him and his family and friends and fellow SEALs.

[mindy1]

RIP :( all I can say is he deserved it, and our gratitude for life. Too bad he wasn't alive for it, but his parents raised a wonderful person. Only the good die young. I think everyone, even Bush cried a little.

[Some Soldier's Mom]

I hope Mz Couric has taken the time to educate herself on this true American Hero... I watched the ceremony live today and found it very moving, the President sincere and his family truly humble.

[@thepointyend]

I finally had the chance to read Lone Survivor en route back to Iraq. A great book which reminds us why we fight - not for Bush, for oil, for Iraqis, or even for freedom. In the end we fight for those that fight to the left and right of us. Murph's actions exemplify that notion.

God bless the Murphy's for their courage and sacrifice.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13). So very true.

@TPE

[The Wolf]

Of all the comments one could make, this quote says it all:

''His options after graduating in 1998 were wide open, and he was accepted into several law schools. He chose instead to join the military and train to become a Navy commando.''

No better words could describe such a fantastic person.

Should Madame Katie screw this up or say anything untoward, I'll make it MY mission to make her job hell...

-Wolf

[Deebow]

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 his 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 an 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.

This citation should hang inside of every Navy Training Center barracks so that every new trainee hoping to be a sailor in the US Navy and to serve on the Raging Main can read what things like "exceptional devotion to duty" and "selfless leadership" mean.

God Bless Lt. Michael Murphy and the kind of American family that would raise a son to be a man such as this.

[tankerbrosbrat]

This non-American, but humble coalition member, will ALWAYS honour men of such calibre as this hero. Heaven is surely the richer for Lt. Murphy's presence. EVERY American child should be taught the story of that day, and shown what true courage and love of fellow man and country IS.

Inadequate as it may be: 'Thank you' to him and his family.

"Greater love...." indeed.

[NoloContendere]

While I can't say that we deserve such men among us, I am humbled and grateful that heroes step forward when the need arises. God bless Lt. Murphy, his family, and all who serve in ways great or small.

[Cannoneer No4]

The goat herders lived. The SEALs died. The American media played a role in their deaths that you will have to research on your own.

[jacquejet]

Can anyone imagine what our country could do if our elected leaders displayed even 1/10 the courage, devotion and love of country of Lt Murphy.

[Cincinnati_Bob]

Thank you Lt. Michael Murphy.
Thank you to family and friends.

I pray for your peace.

[texas]

Thank you Lt Michael Murphy!
God bless him and his family.

Whitehouse.gov has the entire video complete with prayers.

Tim McGraw has a great song on youtube, a tribute to the Soldiers.It's beautiful & fitting ...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=u3bc7mdkyTw

[Ealgian]

God bless.

[photoncourier.blogspot.com]

Lt Murphy was clearly a remarkable man, and it is good that his accomplishments are getting some media attention.

Should it be necessary for a soldier to expose himself to enemy fire in order to establish radio communications? Aren't there radio frequencies, possibly in conjunction with repeaters, that would allow communication while staying under cover? Even a low-bandwidth text message transmitter would seem to be of great value.

I hope someone is working on this.

[referman]

I showed up on a job at an elementary school,while unloading my tools a young lady came over the loud speaker and asked everyone to be silent for the pledge.I dropped everything and put my hand over my heart,faced the flag and clutched my red,white,n blue scarf in my free hand,as the young lady said the pledge the tears began to flow and all I could think of was Michael Murphy and all our brave warriors who have given their lives so all these young children can grow and live free.God Bless the Murphy family..Semper Fi

[Soldier's Mom]

Texas:

Thanks for the link to the Tim McGraw song. It's become one of my favorites and if you go to the link, you will see it is used in several videos -- in a couple I saw people I knew.

To all of you who write on here whether one time or regularly and especially to BF and the gang -- thank you a million times over for what you have done, what you are doing and what you will do to ensure the freedom of this marvelous country, me, my sons, my grandchildren and all future generations -- you are the true American Heroes!

Hooah!