Navy SEAL, Lt. Michael P. Murphey, awarded the Medal of Honor
On October 22, 2007, the family of Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy will receive the Congressional Medal of Honor on behalf of Michael at a special ceremony at the White House. Lt. Murphy is the first service person to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in Afghanistan and the first Naval person since Vietnam to be awarded the Medal of Honor! The Medal of Honor is our nation’s highest Military decoration for valor against an enemy of our nation.
On June 28, 2005, four Navy Seals, Lt. Michael P. Murphy, Sonar Technician 2nd Class Matt Axelson, Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Danny Dietz, and Petty Officer Marcus Luttrell, were inserted into the Kunar Province, Afghanistan on a counter-terrorism mission called “Operation Red Wing.” Their objective was the kill or capture of a high level enemy fighter.
Before days end, nineteen men would be dead. Three of those Navy Seals on the ground would be dead, the fourth would owe his life to a brave Afghan who gave him sanctuary despite enemy demands to turn over the SEAL. A rescue helicopter, an MH-47 Chinook, carrying eight US Navy SEALs and eight Nightstalkers – members of the Army’s elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, would be shot down. All sixteen men perished. It is believed an enemy “rpg” downed to craft.
In the course of their mission, the four SEALs are believed to have been compromised by locals sympathetic to the enemy. The enemy immediately began to attack the four SEALs. Virtually surrounded by enemy forces, it was reported by the rescue helicopter that the SEALs put up “one hell of fight” [my words]. As it became obvious the enemy would soon over run the four men, Lt. Michael P. Murphey risk his life by leaving the safety of cover to go to higher ground and radio for help. Shot in the back and his radio now laying on the ground, Lt. Murphey picked up his radio and continued to attempt to radio for help.
Lt. Murphey, Sonar Technician 2nd Class Matt Axelson, Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Danny Dietz were all killed by enemy fire. Petty Officer Marcus Luttrell survived. He was knocked unconscious during the fighting. When he revived, he found two of his fellow SEALs dead and the third no where to found. He was rescued a couple miles away by an Afghan local who found him and hid Luttrell in his village. The brave Afghan later notified coalition forces that Luttrell was safely hidden at his village. It is reported that the villager is said to have told the enemy fighters who demanded the SEAL be given to them that the SEAL was a “guest” and “would be protected to the last member of the village!”
“By his undaunted courage, intrepid fighting spirit and inspirational devotion to his men in the face of certain death, Lt. Murphy was able to relay the position of his unit, an act that ultimately led to the rescue of Luttrell and the recovery of the remains of the three who were killed in the battle” has been awarded the Medal of Honor. The Medal will be presented at a special ceremony October 22, 2007. Lt. Murphey’s family has been quoted as saying, “The honor is not just about Michael, it is about his teammates and those who lost their lives that same day.”
For his courage on that day, Petty Officer Marcus Luttrell was awarded the Navy Cross.”
Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Danny Dietz posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and Campaign Medal and the Navy Cross.
.Sonar Technician 2nd Class Matt Axelson was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross
The following men were lost on June 28, 2005, aboard the Nightstalker MH-47 Chinook that was shot down by enemy fire as it attempted to support and bring in an insertion team to re-enforce the four Navy Seals carrying out Operation Red Wing:
Chief Petty Officer Jacques J. Fontan, 36, SEAL Team 10, Naval Special Warfare Group Two
Staff Sgt. Shamus O. Goare, 29, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment
Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature, 35, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment
Senior Chief Petty Officer Daniel R. Healy, 36, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One, Naval Special Warfare Group Three
Sgt. Kip A. Jacoby, 21, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment
Lt. Cmdr. Erik S. Kristensen, 33, SEAL Team 10, Naval Special Warfare Command
Petty Officer 1st Class Jeffery A. Lucas, 33, SEAL Team 10, Naval Special Warfare Group Two
Lt. Michael M. McGreevy Jr., 30, SEAL Team 10, Naval Special Warfare Group Two
Sgt. 1st Class Marcus V. Muralles, 33, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment
Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric S. Patton, 22, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One, Naval Special Warfare Group Three
Master Sgt. James W. Ponder III, 36, Headquarters Company, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment
Maj. Stephen C. Reich, 34, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment
Sgt. 1st Class Michael L. Russell, 31, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment
Chief Warrant Officer Chris J. Scherkenbach, 40, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment
Petty Officer 2nd Class James Suh, 28, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One, Naval Special Warfare Group Three
Petty Officer 1st Class Jeffrey S. Taylor, 30, SEAL Team 10, Naval Special Warfare Group Two
The SEAL Code
- Loyalty to Country, Team and Teammate
- Serve with Honor and Integrity On and Off the Battlefield
- Ready to Lead, Ready to Follow, Never Quit
- Take responsibility for your actions and the actions of your teammates
- Excel as Warriors through Discipline and Innovation
- Train for War, Fight to Win, Defeat our Nation’s Enemies
- Earn your Trident everyday
United States Navy SEAL
In times of war or uncertainty there is a special breed of warrior ready to answer our Nation’s call. A common man with uncommon desire to succeed. Forged by adversity, he stands alongside America’s finest special operations forces to serve his country, the American people, and protect their way of life.I am that man.
My Trident is a symbol of honor and heritage. Bestowed upon me by the heroes that have gone before, it embodies the trust of those I have sworn to protect. By wearing the Trident I accept the responsibility of my chosen profession and way of life. It is a privilege that I must earn every day.
My loyalty to Country and Team is beyond reproach. I humbly serve as a guardian to my fellow Americans always ready to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions. I voluntarily accept the inherent hazards of my profession, placing the welfare and security of others before my own.
I serve with honor on and off the battlefield. The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of circumstance, sets me apart from other men.Uncompromising integrity is my standard. My character and honor are steadfast. My word is my bond.
We expect to lead and be led. In the absence of orders I will take charge, lead my teammates and accomplish the mission. I lead by example in all situations.
I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My Nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight.
We demand discipline. We expect innovation. The lives of my teammates and the success of our mission depend on me – my technical skill, tactical proficiency, and attention to detail. My training is never complete.
We train for war and fight to win. I stand ready to bring the full spectrum of combat power to bear in order to achieve my mission and the goals established by my country. The execution of my duties will be swift and violent when required yet guided by the very principles that I serve to defend.
Brave men have fought and died building the proud tradition and feared reputation that I am bound to uphold. In the worst of conditions, the legacy of my teammates steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed. I will not fail.
Two other servicemembers have posthumously received the Medal of Honor for the war on terrorism, both for service in Iraq: Marine Cpl. Jason Dunham, who died after jumping on a grenade in April 2004; and Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith, who was killed in April 2003 at Baghdad International Airport after killing up to 50 Iraqi attackers to allow wounded U.S. troops to be evacuated.”
credit:June 28, 2005 – Part 3 – Sixteen Soldiers Die while on Rescue Mission
“Operation Red Wing”
“Two SEALs Receive Posthumous Navy Cross Awards”
“Surviving SEAL tells story of deadly mission” – “In the mountains of eastern Afghanistan, 4 SEALs made a tough choice. Only one lived to tell”:
“Former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell has written a new book, ‘Lone Survivor,’ about his experience in Afghanistan in Operation Red Wing, in which the three other SEALs on his team were killed.”
June 28, 2007 – Part 1 – Sixteen soldiers die while on rescue mission
June 28, 2005 – Part 2 – Sixteen soldiers die while on rescue mission
June 28, 2007 – Part 3 – Sixteen soldiers die while on rescue mission
Heroes in the Global War on terror
Denver Post
Alphabet City
Stars and Stripes
Wikipedia
HELLO IRAQ 
Thank You for this post. It was a great tribute to our fallen warriors.
When this collapse occurs, how will we then defend our country against an enemy that is very real and fully intends to kill us or convert us. This threat is very real. Even worse is the threat caused by the Socialist infiltration of our government at every level but the Whitehouse. If Clinton wins, that too will be infiltrated. At that point, George Soros and his money will most certainly make his move to push our nation into full scale Socialism. Hillary may think she is is on an equal footing with her coloaborater, Soros. Personally, I think she is kidding herself!
What’s happening in the world at large today reminds me very much of the transnational discussed in “Red Mars,” Green Mars,” and “Blue Mars.” I see that eventual world governance is an eventual happening. However, our world is not ready for this yet! There are too many under developed nations and nations run by totalitarian regimes or dictatorships under socialism or communism.
I believe governments based on our federal democratic model is the type of government that provides the best form of respect for human rights and dignity. How unfortunate that so many people due to lack of education, poverty, rape by the rich keep promoting and supporting governments that do not allow their nation to develop into prosperous and free societies.
I am a 2 tour Vietnam Veteran who recently retired after 36 years of working in the Defense Industrial Complex on many of the weapons systems being used by our forces as we speak. I believed another Vietnam could be avoided with defined missions and the best armaments in the world.
It made no difference.
We have bought into the Military Industrial Complex (MIC). If you would like to read how this happens please see:
http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2007/03/spyagency200703
Through a combination of public apathy and threats by the MIC we have let the SYSTEM get too large. It is now a SYSTEMIC problem and the SYSTEM is out of control. Government and industry are merging and that is very dangerous.
There is no conspiracy. The SYSTEM has gotten so big that those who make it up and run it day to day in industry and government simply are perpetuating their existance.
The politicians rely on them for details and recommendations because they cannot possibly grasp the nuances of the environment and the BIG SYSTEM.
So, the system has to go bust and then be re-scaled, fixed and re-designed to run efficiently and prudently, just like any other big machine that runs poorly or becomes obsolete or dangerous.
This situation will right itself through trauma. I see a government ENRON on the horizon, with an associated house cleaning.
The next president will come and go along with his appointees and politicos. The event to watch is the collapse of the MIC.
For more details see:
http://rosecoveredglasses.blogspot.com/2006/11/odyssey-of-armaments.html