Lt. Michael Patrick Murphy, commander of Navy SEAL Team 10, posthumously received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on 28 June 2005 during a fierce battle with Taliban fighters in the remote mountains of eastern Afghanistan. The first SEAL to be honoured posthumously, he was also the first recipient of the nation's highest military honour as a result of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan and the first naval officer to earn the medal since the Vietnam War. SEAL of Honor tells the story of Michael's life, arguing that his heroic action during the deadly firefight with the Taliban revealed his true character and attempting to answer why Michael readily sacrificed his life for his comrades. Tracing Michael's journey from a seemingly ordinary life on New York's Long Island to that remote mountainside in Afghanistan, SEAL of Honor portrays how he came to the moment of extraordinary heroism that made him the most celebrated Medal of Honor recipient since World War II. Moreover, the book brings the Afghan war back to the home front, focusing on the tight-knit Murphy family and the devastating effect his death had on them as they watched the story of Operation Red Wings unfold in the news. The book attempts to answer why Michael'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. About the Author Gary Williams is a graduate of the University of Dayton with a master's degree in public administration. He had the full cooperation and support of the Murphy family in writing SEAL of Honor.

About the Author
Gary Williams is a graduate of the University of Dayton with a master's degree in public administration. Married with six children, he is a thirty-year employee with the State of Ohio and the author of Siege in Lucasville. He had the full cooperation and support of the Murphy family in writing SEAL of Honor.

Reviews
Lt. Murphy earned the Medal of Honor for bravery during a 2005 fight with Taliban forces in Afghanistan. The award was posthumous. With extensive detail on Murphy's training, the operation itself, and the aftermath, this plays on readers' emotions about a fallen hero. Likely to be popular among some military buffs." --Library Journal "The story of Michael and his service, is an important lesson in history for us all. The virtues he lived are echoed throughout the SEAL Community and are standards we should all strive to attain. LLTB!" --Christopher Wyllie, USN SEAL (Ret.), Executive Director of the Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum "Exceptionally well done! Gary Williams tells the story of an American hero with such clarity that the leadership lessons spring from every page. This book is a must read for all who hold freedom dear." --BRIG. GEN. ANTHONY J. TATA, USA (Ret.), former Deputy Commander of Combined Joint Task Force -76, which conducted Operation Red Wings, and author of Rogue Threat and Sudden Threat "In SEAL of Honor, Gary Williams captures the nearly lost tradition of the 'family unit' as an American foundation of life. . . . Lt. Michael P. Murphy, USN, is truly a role model for all Americans in these challenging times." --CDR. RICHARD MARCINKO, USN (Ret.), founder of SEAL Team Six and author of Rogue Warrior "The life of Lt. Michael P. Murphy is a true testament to the value of hard work and patriotism. In SEAL of Honor, Gary Williams highlights the unfortunately brief but purpose-driven life of this extraordinary young man and his remarkable display of selflessness and courage." --BOB KERREY, Medal of Honor recipient for service as a Navy SEAL in Vietnam and former United States Senator "Michael Murphy did all in his power to accomplish his mission. When that became impossible, he did all in his power to take care of his men. In the face of impossible odds and mortally wounded, he fought and led until the moment he was killed. For those of us who have since learned of his courage in those last terrible hours, we marvel at such gallantry." --DICK COUCH, author of A Tactical Ethic "In his final act of bravery, he continued to engage the enemy until he was mortally wounded, gallantly giving his life for the cause of freedom. By his selfless leadership, courageous actions, and extraordinary devotion to duty, Lieutenant Murphy reflected great credit upon him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service." --GEORGE W. BUSH, at the White House Medal of Honor presentation ceremony on October 22, 2007 "Operation Red Wings was a national tragedy. America lost 19 of her best sons, brothers, husbands, and fathers. SEAL of Honor tells the story of LT Mike Murphy, the story of that day, and the story of those 19 brave brothers. All US citizens should know who fights for them. Long live the brotherhood!" --CAPT Kent Paro, USN (Ret.), Commanding Officer of SEAL Team TEN during Operation Red Wings



Book Information
ISBN 9781591149651
Author Gary Williams
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Naval Institute Press
Publisher Naval Institute Press