Lt. Michael Murphy
Rank and Organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, SEAL. 
Place and date: Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan, 27-28 June 2005.
Entered service at: Patchogue, NY. Born: 7 May, 1976, Smithtown, NY.
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.
Navy Seal, Medal of Honor Recipient, to be Inducted Into the Hall of Heroes
The White House announced Thursday that Navy Lt. Michael P. Murphy will be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in combat June 27 to 28, 2005, while leading a special reconnaissance mission deep behind enemy lines in the Hindu Kush of Afghanistan.
President Bush is expected to present the Medal of Honor to Lt. Murphy's parents at a ceremony at the White House on Oct. 22, 2007. Media interested in covering this event should contact the White House Office of Media Affairs at (202) 456-5238.
Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England will induct Murphy into the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon in a ceremony Oct. 23 at 11 a.m. EDT. The Pentagon ceremony will add his name to the roster in the Hall of Heroes, the Defense Department's permanent display of record for all recipients of the Medal of Honor.
At 6 p.m. on the same day, Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations, will present the Medal of Honor flag to the parents of Lt. Murphy in a ceremony at the Navy Memorial. Congress ordered the creation of the Medal of Honor flag commemorating the sacrifice and blood shed for freedom.
Murphy is the first armed forces service member to receive the Medal of Honor for combat in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He is also the first Navy service member to receive the Medal of Honor for actions in the Global War on Terror and the third armed forces service member to receive the Medal of Honor since the beginning of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.