How a Navy SEAL from Long Island ended up having a museum named after him

The Protector Who Made the Ultimate Call

Michael Murphy spent summers saving lives as a lifeguard at Lake Ronkonkoma. The kid from Patchogue who once pulled bullies off special needs kids would later make the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan’s mountains.

On June 28, 2005, he stepped into enemy fire to save his team during Operation Red Wings. President Bush gave him the Medal of Honor two years later.

Here’s his story, told at the LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum you can visit today.

The Kid Who Stood Up for Others When Nobody Would

Michael Murphy was born May 7, 1976, in Smithtown, New York, to Irish American parents Dan and Maureen Murphy.

Growing up in Patchogue, his classmates called young “Murph” “The Protector” after he pulled bullies away from a special needs child they shoved into a locker in 8th grade.

He also helped a homeless man who was getting attacked, chasing off the attackers and helping the man pick up his cans.

His parents only heard about school trouble when he stood up for others, something they fully backed.

Summer Jobs That Built a Hero’s Character

Murphy worked as a lifeguard at Brookhaven town beach on Lake Ronkonkoma every summer during high school and college. He came back year after year to the same job, getting better at skills he’d use later.

Lifeguarding taught him to stay alert, make quick choices, and look after others’ safety. The job matched his natural instinct to protect people and helped grow his leadership skills.

While many teens switched summer jobs often, Murphy stuck with lifeguarding while keeping up with school and sports.

College Years Shaped His Mind and Body

Murphy finished Patchogue-Medford High School in 1994 and went to Pennsylvania State University. At Penn State, he played ice hockey and kept his grades high.

He graduated with honors in 1998, earning degrees in both political science and psychology.

Friends knew him as someone who loved to read, especially “Gates of Fire” by Steven Pressfield, a book about Spartans at Thermopylae. During college, he met and fell in love with Heather Duggan.

They got engaged and set their wedding for November 2005, a date Murphy wouldn’t live to see.

Law Schools Wanted Him, But He Wanted Something More

Though several law schools sent him acceptance letters, Murphy felt drawn to join the military. He started going to SEAL coaching sessions at the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point.

In September 2000, he joined the Navy’s Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida. By December 13, 2000, he became an Ensign.

At 5’10” with a thin build, Murphy didn’t look like a typical SEAL, but his drive made up for his size.

Training That Pushed Him Beyond His Limits

Murphy started Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, California in January 2001. For six months, he went through tough physical tests, very little sleep, and constant stress.

He came out as the leader of BUD/S Class 236 in November 2001.

He trained more at Army Airborne School, SEAL Qualification Training, and SEAL Delivery Vehicle school. By July 2002, Murphy earned his SEAL Trident and joined SDV Team ONE based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

From Training Grounds to War Zones

Murphy first went overseas in October 2002 with Foxtrot Platoon for Exercise Early Victor in Jordan. The Navy then sent him to Special Operations Command Central in Florida.

From there, he went to Qatar and Djibouti to help with Operation Iraqi Freedom. In October 2003, the Navy promoted him to Lieutenant.

Other SEALs noticed Murphy always wore an FDNY patch from Engine Co. 53, Ladder Co. 43 to honor 9/11 victims, including a friend who died that day.

The Mission That Would Test Everything He Learned

In April 2005, Murphy went to Afghanistan as assistant officer in charge of ALFA Platoon, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1.

His team had to find Ahmad Shah, code-named “Ben Sharmak,” a high-level militia leader working with the Taliban. Shah led the “Mountain Tigers” fighters near the Pakistani border.

On June 28, 2005, Murphy led a four-man team with Danny Dietz, Matthew Axelson, and Marcus Luttrell into the Hindu Kush mountains east of Asadabad, at 10,000 feet up.

A Split-Second Choice With Fatal Consequences

While hiding in position, three local goat herders stumbled upon Murphy’s team. The SEALs faced a tough choice: kill civilians, tie them up in the mountains, or let them go.

The team argued about what to do. Murphy, following the rules of war, said: “We gotta let them go.” About two hours after freeing the herders, 30-40 Taliban fighters attacked from three sides.

Murphy’s choice to follow military rules cost his team greatly but showed his belief in American values even when his life was at risk.

Fighting Against Impossible Odds

The four SEALs found themselves outnumbered 10-to-1, with Taliban fighters holding the high ground. All four men got wounded as the fierce fight spread across the steep mountain.

Enemy fighters with AK-47s and rocket-propelled grenades came within 20 yards. The team got pushed deeper into a ravine as Taliban forces moved around their sides.

Murphy knew their only hope was to call for help, but their radio couldn’t get a signal from their covered spot.

One Final Act of Courage

Murphy made a decision that would cost him his life but save his teammate. He left protective cover and moved into open ground to get a signal on his satellite phone.

Fully exposed to enemy fire, he called Bagram Air Base. During the transmission, a bullet struck him in the back.

He dropped the phone, picked it up again, and calmly finished providing his unit’s location and the enemy strength before saying “Thank you.” Even after completing the call, Murphy continued fighting from his exposed position until he received fatal wounds.

A Nation Remembers a True American Hero

The rescue helicopter carrying 16 additional personnel was shot down by an RPG, killing everyone aboard. Murphy, Dietz, and Axelson died in the battle.

Luttrell survived after being blown over a ridge by an explosion. Murphy’s call enabled Luttrell’s eventual rescue and the recovery of his fallen teammates’ remains.

On October 22, 2007, President George W. Bush presented the Medal of Honor to Murphy’s parents at the White House.

Murphy became the first Navy serviceman since the Vietnam War to receive America’s highest military honor.

Visiting LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum

The LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum is in West Sayville on the Long Island Maritime Museum grounds.

You’ll find seven exhibition halls, a movie theater, and a SEAL Adventure Ride. Murphy’s dress blues uniform, scuba gear, and Medal of Honor are displayed in the lobby.

Outside, check out the submarine, HMMWV, and Desert Dune Buggy exhibits. Groups of 10+ can call (631) 589-7325 for pricing, and private tours cost $30 per person.

This article was created with AI assistance and human editing.

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