Editor’s note: This is the final story in a three-part series featuring 1998 Penn State alumnus and Medal of Honor recipient LT. Michael P. Murphy. The first and second stories appeared on Penn State News on Nov. 12 and Nov. 13.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Two years after their son sacrificed himself to save his team in Afghanistan, the Murphy Family received a phone call from the White House.
Navy SEAL LT. Michael P. Murphy would posthumously receive the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during Operation Red Wings. According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Michael is one of 3,528 service members to receive this distinction. Earlier that year, members of Michael’s team were awarded the Navy Cross — the second-highest honor in the Navy — for extraordinary heroism in action against an enemy of the United States.
On Oct. 22, 2007, Dan and Maureen Murphy accepted their son’s Medal of Honor from then President George W. Bush at the White House, followed by ceremonies at the Pentagon and the Navy Memorial.
“Michael accomplished a lot in his short life,” Dan said.
Years earlier, when Michael shared his decision to join the military, Dan cautioned him.
“When you’re behind enemy lines without support,” Dan said recalling his experience during the Vietnam War. “If things go bad, they can go really bad.”
He remembers his son’s response — reassuring, yet steadfast in his decision.
Michael replied, “Look, I’m not looking to get myself killed. But if that happened, it would be doing something I love. I’d rather that than sit behind a desk for 30 years and hate my life.”
While Dan said he wishes he could have his son back, he takes pride in Michael’s convictions and courage. Dan admitted he could not make the sacrifice his son made.
“It takes a lot of courage and bravery to even contemplate doing that,” Dan said of Michael’s decision to move to an open area through gunfire. “It was just his way, that was Michael’s whole life. He had a very defining line between right and wrong.”
Michael’s legacy
Michael’s legacy extends far beyond his own story — just as he would have wanted, said his father. Even in death, he continues to inspire and support others, carrying the spirit of “we are.”
The Michael P. Murphy Foundation funds 47 different scholarships at colleges and universities across the United States including Penn State.
Each Memorial Day, thousands participate in the “Murph Challenge,” completing Michael’s favorite workout: a one-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats, and another mile run, all while wearing body armor or a weighted vest. The challenge honors all who have sacrificed their lives in defense of the U.S.
There are many landmarks and vessels which honorably bear Michael’s name, including a post office in his hometown, a nearby park, a Coast Guard boat, a Navy missile destroyer ship, and multiple monument memorials, including Veterans Plaza at Penn State University Park. Most recently, Michael’s loved ones, military supporters, and Long Island community members came together to build the LT. Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum.
The museum opened in 2022 and tells the story of Navy SEALS from 1942 to present through seven exhibition halls covering World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the War on Terror, Operation Red Wings, and SEAL training. Michael’s Medal of Honor is on display, and the museum also has a theater showing “Murph the Protector,” a film which, Dan said, tells Michael’s story through the eyes of his family, friends and teammates.
“We honor all veterans,” Dan said.
Since opening, the museum has welcomed more than 6,000 students and visitors from 48 states and 39 countries, including military attachés from the United Nations and the Polish Special Forces.
“As his father, I’m amazed by how his legacy of service resonates with everybody,” Dan said. “We wanted to use that, not just to honor Michael, but to honor all our fallen. If Michael’s story can bring attention to our fallen heroes from World War II through now, then Michael will have accomplished even more.”
Military Appreciation at Penn State
Penn State has a longstanding and proud tradition of serving the men and women of our military through education benefits, resources, support and more. This year, Penn State will highlight Medal of Honor recipients during a series of campus events, including the Military Appreciation football game on Nov. 8. Penn State students, faculty, staff and alumni with military connections can submit a profile of service for the opportunity to be featured on the University’s Military Appreciation website and other materials. Visit militaryappreciation.psu.edu to learn more.