Editor’s note: This is the second story in a three-part series featuring 1998 Penn State alumnus and Medal of Honor recipient LT. Michael P. Murphy. The first story appeared on Penn State News on Nov. 12. The third story will appear on Nov. 14.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — By spring 2005, Navy SEAL LT. Michael P. Murphy had deployed three times — once to Africa and two trips to Iraq.
He returned home to Long Island in March to celebrate Easter with his family. When it was time to leave to head back to base in Hawaii, Michael and his father, Dan Murphy, got in the car as they would when he was in college. This time the ride was much shorter, just an airport shuttle. But, Dan said, he still enjoyed any car ride he got with Michael.
The family didn’t know it at the time, he added, but Michael would soon be deploying again.
When Dan asked about the flight, Michael revealed it would include five stops. Getting back to Hawaii would take a while, so the father reminded his son to text his mother when he finally got home so she wouldn’t worry anymore.
“When we didn’t hear from him, we didn’t think much of it, you know? He’s 29,” Dan said.
Michael called about a week later to share news of his deployment to Afghanistan.
Operation Red Wings
On June 28, 2005, Michael and his team were hidden the mountains of eastern Afghanistan watching a village to confirm the presence of a Taliban leader and insurgents. Michael led a team of Navy SEALS: Petty Officer Second Class Danny Dietz, Petty Officer Second Class Matthew Axelson, and Hospital Corpsman Second Class Marcus Luttrell.
Three goat herders discovered the SEALs. After confronting the men and realizing they were civilians, Michael and his team followed the rules of engagement, and let them go. Michael made this decision knowing the estimated 150 insurgents would soon know their location.
They moved into a new area, but the group fell under attack. Outnumbered, the SEALs tried to defend themselves for more than 45 minutes. Luttrell has publicly shared his perspective, recalling that Michael tried using a satellite phone to call for help. The mountainous terrain in their partially covered area prevented the call from going through.
Knowing his men were shot and needed help, Michael walked into the open to gain better reception to call for backup. He successfully made the call but was shot in the back in the progress. Injured, he sent a final transmission, “Roger that, sir. Thank you.”
Murphy and two of his team members would die during the mission. The helicopter of reinforcements wouldn’t arrive, as it was shot down by Taliban fighters. Murphy’s final action would allow the Navy to eventually recover them and rescue Lutrell, who is known as the lone survivor.
Back at home, the Murphys received word that Michael was on a mission and the situation had become dire.
“We didn’t know anything for a week,” Dan said. “They knew he was involved in a battle. The helicopter that came to reinforce his position was shot down and four men on the ground are missing.”
A Navy SEAL lived with the Murphys for a week, sharing updates as they came. The family heard at least one SEAL had survived because of a transmission from his equipment. However, they were cautioned that it could have been a mistake if a civilian was touching the gear.
Late into the evening on July 4, 2005, Dan said, the Murphys learned that Michael had died. The first condolence call they received was from then-New York Sen. Hillary Clinton. The second was from former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, who also sent Michael’s mother, Maureen, a dozen white roses the following day. Dan said it was a gesture the family holds closely.