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A bestselling book by the sole survivor of Operation Red Wings, Marcus Luttrell, has helped make Lt. Murphy's SEAL team's fateful encounter with the Taliban one of the Afghan war's best known engagements. Published on the 5th anniversary of the engagement, SEAL of Honor also tells the story of that fateful battle, but it does so from a very different perspective being focused on the life of Lt. Murphy. This biography uses his heroic action during this deadly firefight in Afghanistan, as a window on his character and attempts to answer why Lt. Murphy readily sacrificed his life for his comrades. SEAL of Honor is the story of a young man, who was noted by his peers for his compassion and for his leadership being guided by an extraordinary sense of duty, responsibility, and moral clarity.
In tracing Lt. Murphy's journey from a seemingly ordinary life on New York's Long Island, to that remote mountainside a half a world away, SEAL of Honor will help readers understand how he came to demonstrate the extraordinary heroism and selfless leadership that earned him the nation's highest military honor. Moreover, the book brings the Afghan war back to the home front, focusing on Lt. Murphy's tight knit family and the devastating effect of his death upon them as they watched the story of Operation Red Wings unfold in the news. The book attempts to answer why Lt. Murphy's service to his country and his comrades was a calling faithfully answered, a duty justly upheld, and a life, while all too short, well lived.
List of Acronyms and Abbreviations ix
Foreword xiii
Acknowledgments xv
Introduction xix
Chapter 1 The Knock on the Door 1
Chapter 2 Vigil for the Valiant 10
Chapter 3 Funeral for the Fallen 21
Chapter 4 Seeds of Greatness 33
Chapter 5 "The Protector" 39
Chapter 6 Prep Schools for SEALs 44
Chapter 7 Officer Candidate School 53
Chapter 8 BUD/S: The Price of Admission 59
Chapter 9 Agoge: Earning the Trident 81
Chapter 10 Warrior Community and Structure 99
Chapter 11 Deployment Work-up 108
Chapter 12 Operation Enduring Freedom 115
Chapter 13 Afghanistan-Home of al-Qaeda 122
Chapter 14 When Character Met Circumstance: Operation Red Wings 130
Chapter 15 Rescue Mission 145
Chapter 16 Answering the Call 151
Chapter 17 No One Left Behind 171
Chapter 18 In the Presence of Warriors 176
Chapter 19 Memorials to a Hero 181
Chapter 20 Of Service and Sacrifice 187
Chapter 21 Growing Legacy 197
Postscript 202
Epilogue 204
Appendix: Naval Special Warfare Community Support Groups 206
Sources 209
Index 212
Anonymous
Posted Tue May 25 00:00:00 EDT 2010
I Also Recommend:
If you read LONE SURVIVOR by Marcus Lutrell, then you will want to read this book. My life changed after reading Lone Survivor and found myself wanting to learn more about these brave men, so that they would not be forgotten. It is so refreshing to find someone who really is a hero and an amazing example for children and adults, unfortunately society pays too much attention to athletes and movie stars. Lt. Murphy makes me want to be a better person and parent. It really opens your eyes to what these men go through to become warriors and protect our freedom. I have so much respect for the Navy Seals, and learning more about Lt. Murphy just increases that respect. It is always good to put a name and face to a person. This book makes it so much more real, and not just another soldier. I found it emotional and informative. It made me want to give this family a big hug and say thank you and God bless you! This is not just a book for military buffs. I am a mother of 3 girls and I find this book important for everyone to read, so they can pay their respect to a Medal of Honor recipient and learn what it means to be a hero.
17 out of 18 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Fri Nov 12 00:00:00 EST 2010
I am amazed by the Navy Seals in general. I too, have read Lone Survivor Which is what led me to this book. This man is truly an American Hero. I cannot agree more with the first review. Americans are so wrapped up with movie stars, sports and pop culture it's ridiculous. Americans want to live in this fantasy land. We do not realize how good we have it and do not even pay attention to the men who are fighting for us. Lt. Michael Murphy is someone everyone should know about, I am grateful for his service and respect all that he has done. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
12 out of 13 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Mon Sep 06 00:00:00 EDT 2010
I came across this book while speaking with a fellow police officer/ex Navy SEAL; when I saw what he was reading, I recognized the picture immediately. I bought the book and read the whole thing in four sitting periods (even though I was in finals week). I could not put the book down. Gary Williams did an excellent job telling about Lt Murphy. It talked about his unique and humble youth. It spoke about his obstacles in his training and his commitment to all that was selfless. I had read Marcus Luttrel's Lone Survivor and I could tell that Lt Murphy was already an amazing leader, but to read about what his comrades and superior officers had to say only confirms what Lone Survivor said about Lt Murphy. As I read, I was emotionally overcome with sadness to know that one of America's finest and brightest was willing to lose his life to save his team. There is no better example of a selfless leader than Lt Murphy. I only hope that I can by half the leader that Lt Murphy was. He is a true patriot, warrior ad leader. This is a must read.
10 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed May 23 00:00:00 EDT 2012
AMAZING! As a military retiree I cannot recommend this book enough. Especially during Memorial Day. Intergiry, commitment, duty and yes honor is what Lt. Michael Murphy was all about. If you are 17-28 and considering the military you must read this book. It is without a doubt a top 5 in my library.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Tue May 17 00:00:00 EDT 2011
Having the honor to work with Navy SEALs, I rate this book as - right on target- describing seals moral charactor, motivation, professionalism and personal yet common traits thoughout the NSW/NSO community. A must read about seals and Mike - a model sailor, warrior, friend and American. Thank you for this book.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sun Jan 02 00:00:00 EST 2011
I Also Recommend:
I ran into this book by accident and picked it up. It is an outstanding reflection of courage and what our "freedom" costs. Having been in Viet Nam for four years, I was aware of the outstanding record the Navy Seal's have and how important they are in missions that most could not complete. This is a great read, it is a reminder of the heroics of so many in difficult situations and it reinforces just how much our freedom depends on these men and women of courage and determination. This is a book for all ages!
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Thu Nov 10 00:00:00 EST 2011
What an amazing person. I wish I would have been lucky enough to have known him. Rest in peace Lt. Murphy.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Thu Sep 29 00:00:00 EDT 2011
Great American Hero!!!!
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed Sep 07 00:00:00 EDT 2011
Its hard to put down
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed Jul 06 00:00:00 EDT 2011
When you look up honor in the dictionary it should say mike murphy! This guy had it all, and gave it away to serve us all. My kids will know who mike murphy was.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Fri Apr 26 00:00:00 EDT 2013
This is one of the best written accounts of SEAL bravery and selflessness I have read. This shouldbe at the top of your list if you enjoy factual accounts of military action and personal sacrifice. Words alone can't describe the range of emotions you will experience.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Thu Nov 24 00:00:00 EST 2011
I suggest reading "Lone Survivor" and then reading "Seal of Honor". The latter deals very little with the actual time on the mountain but rather gives details in the structure of the SEALS & the many men that gave their last full measure.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Fri Jul 29 00:00:00 EDT 2011
Reading this book, having read Lone Survivor, with some of the information included MIchael AND I find it mind boggling that anyone could be so courageous and have such a great love for his country and fellow man that one could do as he did ! I pray that this hero is in peace and his family will focus on tha laughs that they shared. MAY FOD BLESS THEM ALL JUDY L!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Tue Jun 19 00:00:00 EDT 2012
This book is a very detailed and well written true story about (SEAL) LT Michael Murphy who received the Medal of Honor in Afghanistan. If you enjoyed Lone Survivor, you will really like this carefully written account of all the men who took part in this operation.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Mon May 05 00:00:00 EDT 2014
.
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Posted Sat Jan 18 00:00:00 EST 2014
Great background on a national hero.
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Posted Thu Feb 28 00:00:00 EST 2013
R u here
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Fri Jun 15 00:00:00 EDT 2012
Oooouuuuccccchhhh
0 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Tue Jun 21 00:00:00 EDT 2011
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Posted Fri Feb 18 00:00:00 EST 2011
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Overview
Lt.Michael Patrick Murphy, a Navy SEAL, earned the Medal of Honor on 28 June 2005 for his bravery during a fierce fight with the Taliban in the remote mountains of eastern Afghanistan. The first to receive the nation's highest military honor for service in Afghanistan, Lt. Murphy was also the first naval officer to earn the medal since the Vietnam War, and the first SEAL to be honored posthumously. A young man of great character, he is the subject of Naval Special Warfare courses on character and leadership, and...