Lieutenant Michael Patrick Murphy

October 27, 2007, a Navy Seal named LT. Michael Patrick Murphy is awarded the Medal of Honor for his brave sacrifice. The Medal of Honor is the highest ranking medal. LT. Murphy is the first navy seal to earn the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War. Michael was born on May 7, 1976 in Smithtown, N.Y. and grew up in Patchogue, N.Y. His father, a Vietnam veteran suffered a grenade wound. As a kid Michael was often called "Mikey" or "Murph" (Williams, Gary). He was first deployed to Pearl Harbor, then later had several deployments in Afghanistan, as seal team 10. He was best known for his sacrifice for his team mates live. He is no buried at Calverton National Cemetery, approximately 20 miles from his home town. A hero must possess the intelligence to know how to control certain situations. They must be brave to stand up for what they believe in. Finally, they must possess selflessness to show they care more about the well-being of others. Michael Patrick Murphy is a hero because of his inspirational acts, intelligence in and outside of school, his bravery in the army, and his selflessness for others.

Michael possessed the intelligence to make the right choices in life. Michael Patrick Murphy was an exceptional student. He attended Patchogue-Medford high school where he was "an exceptional all-around athlete and student, excelling at ice hockey and graduating with honors" (United States Navy). He later attended Penn state university. Which is one of more well-known colleges on the east coast. Michael Patrick Murphy graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology and political science. Later he was accepted into numerous law schools, but declined to pursue other career. Michael intelligence was often showed outside of school. "Michael was an avid reader and felt that education was key, in fact his favorite saying was "Education will set you free" (LT Michael P. Murphy Scholarship Foundation). That is why the Murphy Family used their funds to start the Foundation." Michael knew his High School education is important not only for now, but for the rest of our lives. Murphy's knowledge in school lead him far in life. But Murphy's intelligence was mostly shown on the battlefield. Murphy and his team were pinned down, outnumbered with no reception to call for help. In an interview with Marcus Lutrell remembers "Mikey pushed out onto this boulder out in the middle of the draw, its wide open, no cover, no nothing" (CBS Interactive Inc.). Murphy knew he could get himself killed, he knew it was the right choice. The quick instincts of Michael ended up saving Marcus's life while at the same time risking his own. Murphy's intelligence shows us that the smartest people, end up doing the right thing.

Michael's bravery at full display before and after he joined the navy. His father was a Vietnam veteran, "he urged his son not to join the military, based on his own experience in Vietnam as "cannon fodder," he said later when Michael joined "he strongly supported his son once he did" (Shields, Dave) Murphy possessed the bravery to join the army, even without the full support of his dad makes him a hero. His willingness, courageousness, and bravery show he did not care for the consequences of war. During the middle of a fire fight to save his team, he stood in the open to call reinforcements. The only survivor says "Mikey pushed out onto this boulder out in the middle of the draw, it's wide open, no cover, no nothing". Later saying "He took two rounds to the chest, because he spun around like a top and it dropped him..." (CBS Interactive Inc.). Michael's bravery to stand out in wide open of the battle makes him a true hero. Knowing the outcome would not be good, Murphy was still able go on the phone to call headquarters. Michael's bravery inspires us by how we could constantly do better for everyone around us.

Michael's selflessness is shown throughout his life by standing up for others. Michael was sometimes referred to as a kid "the protector". When he was in High School "Murphy took a summer lifeguard job at the Brookhaven town beach in Lake Ronkonkoma"(United States Navy). Michael's willingness to risk his life while ensuring the safety of other people makes him a hero. Being a lifeguard is not entirely a dangerous job. He still put forth the effort to do whatever he could to defend people. When Michael was young, he was the same as an adult "he got into a scrap with three bullies in middle school who tried to shove a disabled student in a locker." Michael's character shows that he cares more about others than himself. With his natural selflessness he knew he could amount to more. "He just jumped in," Mr. Murphy said, noting that it was the kind of action that led him and his former wife to refer to their oldest son as "the Protector" when he was a boy. "That was Michael's was" (Hernandez, Raymond). Michael thought about the situation so quickly he did not have to think about it. He was a natural born protector though he didn't have to be. Michaels would enlist in the navy to become a seal. In doing this, he did the right thing to protect others. "Murphy accepted an appointment to the Navy's Officer Candidate School at Pensacola, Fla., in September, 2000" (United States Navy). Michael's selflessness are shown from his sacrifice of his life to serve his country. It did not matter to him that the job was dangerous. Murphy was not a harmful person, but a protective person. Michael character shows he dedicates his own life for the protection and safety of others.

Michael Patrick Murphy is a hero for having intelligence on and off the battlefield; the bravery to sacrifice everything he believes in, and the selflessness to care for others. Michael's leadership qualities make him an inspiration to others to push themselves to do more. "In early 2005, Murphy was assigned to SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1 as assistant officer in charge of ALFA Platoon and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom" (United States Navy). When LT. Murphy was assigned to lead seal team 10, it shows he is a natural born leader. Michael's influence has affected countless others, along with his peers. "A BUD/S classmate inspired by Michael's toughness and determination wrote, "I remember you with your stress fractures post Hell-Week and limping around with your iron will. Those thoughts will never leave my mind and further commit myself to our country's undying cause of freedom. "A SEAL about to enter BUD/S training, inspired by Murphy's actions, wrote, "I want your family and friends to know that you, all the SEALs and every other military force's sacrifice will not go unappreciated" (Force 12 Media) One of several people that have known or have heard about him have truly been inspired. This Navy Seal in training shows Michael Patrick Murphy is inspirational."One of Murphy's SEAL BUD/S instructors wrote, "I've heard from the one who survived, details about your final moments, and I just want to say that you are an inspiration, a hard core warrior through and through, exactly what every Team guy aspires to be like" (Force 12 Media). The widespread story has affected many. It has shown of what everyone should aspire to be. LT. Murphy sacrifice proves that he is a hero and an inspiration. It shows that you don't have to be the most athletic or the smartest, but have the sense of doing the right thing. But Murphy's inspirational effect did not stop there. LT. Michael got his inspiration from his dad after serving in Vietnam. Later his brother would follow similar footsteps. "Their son John, 22, attends the New York Institute of Technology, and upon graduation will pursue a career in criminal justice, having been accepted to the New York City Police Department" (United States Navy) Murphy's service inspired his brother to also fight for what he believes in, proving LT. Murphy was no ordinary soldier. He is a prime example of what we do affects others in ways we do not know. Although we all might not intend on it, the people closest to us, are often the ones becoming inspired to do something great also.