Dan Murphy’s life took a significant turn two decades ago.
His son, Navy Seal Lt. Michael Murphy, made the ultimate sacrifice during a challenging mission in Afghanistan, aiming to give his four-man team a chance to survive against what military reports described as “a much larger enemy force of over 50 anti-coalition militias.”
“The most important thing is that even 20 years after his passing, people still remember him,” Dan Murphy, who resides in Wading River, reflected. He visits his son’s grave at Calverton National Cemetery twice a week.
The story of these military heroes inspired the 2013 film “Lone Survivor,” which features fellow seals Marcus Luttrell, Matthew Axelson, and Danny Deetz. The director, Peter Berg, portrayed the tragic events surrounding their mission, known as “Operation Red Wings,” which concluded disastrously on June 28, 2005, with the loss of 16 seals and Army night stalkers at the hands of the Taliban.
The original mission to scout a known terrorist in the Hindu Kush quickly unraveled after the team was discovered in the rugged terrain.
Due to communication issues, Murphy took a chance and engaged the enemy, hoping to aid his comrades.
“He always prioritized others over himself,” Luttrell shared with the Post, remembering Michael’s legacy as a “protector.”
“Marcus told me, ‘Mr. Murphy, I want you to know that Michael went out in a storm of bullets to make that call,’” Dan recounted, recalling the sleepless night just before the mission.
Back on Long Island, as Dan Murphy and his then-wife Maureen awaited news, they received intermittent updates from a soldier’s transmitter, although the situation was unclear.
“I remember looking at Maureen and saying, ‘I know this won’t end well,'” Elder Murphy, a veteran and Purple Heart recipient, recalled. “I told her, ‘If there’s one survivor, it won’t be Michael. He’ll make sure his men survive before himself,’” reflecting on his son’s heroic nature.
Now, two decades later, Dan Murphy contemplates the enduring impact of his son’s legacy.
The Navy has named destroyers after him, and there’s an annual run around Lake Ronkonkoma, where Michael once served as a lifeguard, earning the nickname “The Protector.”
Interestingly, one of the first boats that aided survivors during the “Hudson Miracle” was named in Michael’s honor by a family friend.
“His entire persona was about helping others… You can’t ask for a better legacy,” Dan expressed.
He often feels the loss of the potential good his son could have done for many.
As he approaches his home, Dan visits nearly every day to share Michael’s story and honor the sacrifices of elite forces throughout history.
“We appreciate that Murphy’s family continues to carry Michael’s memory,” noted Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine.
There’s a broader perspective on resilience linked to Murphy: the challenging training known as “The Murph,” established during Basic Underwater Seal Demolition (BUD/S) class 236.
This rigorous workout includes a mile run, followed by 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, and 300 air squats, finishing with another mile run while wearing a 20-pound vest. Michael developed this challenge with fellow Seal Kazi Larsen during their training in Southern California.
“He wasn’t a boastful seal. He didn’t flaunt his Trident. He was humble,” Larsen shared about his friend, remembering moments like sneaking snacks to comrades during tough training periods.
“He led by example. An incredible leader without needing to assert his authority,” Larsen noted, particularly feeling the loss of those who perished in the 2005 mission.
The tragedy of Red Wings prompted Larsen to re-enlist in 2007.
“I hope the public recognizes that our successes, including capturing bin Laden, were made possible through the sacrifices of our brothers who aren’t here anymore,” he added.
I Will Never Forget
Luttrell’s dramatic escape from the Taliban was aided by a local villager, Mohammed Grub, who risked his life to protect the injured despite severe threats from extremists, adhering to an ancient honor code called Pashtunwali.
Since then, Luttrell and Grub have kept in touch; Grub moved to the U.S. about a decade later.
As the anniversary nears, Luttrell opened up about his experience being the sole survivor of the Red Wings mission.
“I’ve had some incredibly dark years, reliving those moments because people want to discuss it,” he admitted.
“But through my family and faith, I’ve been able to transform that pain; I focus on positivity and support for others. It seems pointless to dwell in darkness when there’s so much light we can embrace,” he remarked.
Like Dan Murphy, he strives to honor the legacies of those lost through various missions and initiatives, including a museum dedicated to fallen soldiers.
“The mission goes on,” Luttrell concluded. “Never forget 6.28.05.”
