Lieutenant Michael "Murph" Patrick Murphy was born in Smithtown, NY
and grew up in the NYC commuter town of
Patchogue,
NY on Long Island. He was commissioned on December 13th, 2000 and
graduated with BUD/S class 236. As an Officer, Murph chose to use
Engine 53 and Ladder 43 as a symbol for his teammates. Shortly after
being deployed, Mike requested enough company patches to distribute to
his fellow SEAL members. We were informed that Mike wore our patch
with pride on every mission, on every deployment.
Upon
graduation from BUD/S he attended the Army Jump School, SEAL
Qualification Training (SQT) and SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) school.
Lt. Murphy checked on board SDV Team ONE in July of 2002. In October
of 2002 he deployed with FOXTROT Platoon to Jordan as the LNO for
EARLY VICTOR. Following that
assignment, LT Murphy was attached to SOCCENT and deployed to Qatar in
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). After returning from Qatar,
LT Murphy was deployed to the Horn of Africa, Djibouti, to assist in
the operational planning of future SDV missions. As AOIC of ALFA
Platoon, LT Murphy Deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation
Enduring Freedom (OEF).
Murph was killed June 28, 2005 while conducting counter-terrorism operations
in Kunar province, Afghanistan. Coalition forces located his remains
while conducting a combat search-and-rescue operation July 4 in Kunar
province.
Shortly after returning from their deployment a number of Murph’s
teammates visited Engine 53 Ladder 43. The SEAL Team presented a
plaque in dedication, including the company patch that Mike wore on
the day that he fell.
LT
Murphy's personal awards include the Silver Star,
Purple
Heart, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine
Corps Commendation Medal.
Murph attended Penn State University, where he was an exceptional
all-around athlete and student, excelling at ice hockey and graduating
with honors. Following school, he was accepted to several law schools
before changing course and
going to OCS in 2000.
LT
Murphy is survived by his mother, Maureen Murphy; his
father, Dan Murphy; his brother, John Murphy; and his fiancee, Heather
Duggan.
The
LT Michael P. Murphy USN, Memorial Scholarship
Foundation was founded
to provide scholarships to Suffolk County students and Purple Heart
veterans. Donations are being accepted to the Foundation and can be
sent to William F. Andes, Jr., Esq. at 224 Griffing Ave., Riverhead,
NY 11901.
