Seal of Honor: Operation Red Wings and the Life of Lt. Michael P. Murphy, USN

by Gary Williams

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 an Arleigh Burke -class guided missile destroyer, naval base, school, post office, ball park, and hospital emergency room have been named in his honor.
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.

Genres: Military Fiction, Nonfiction, Biography, War, Military History, History, True Story

256 pages, Hardcover

First published May 5, 2010

About the author

Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name

Reviews

[Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is hard to write an objective review of this book, as it profiles Mike Murphy, a classmate of mine and fellow graduate of PMHS 1994. I took a few classes with Murphy and had maybe a dozen conversations with him, so we weren't close, but I knew him.

The story of Murphy's bravery and his resolve in Operation Redwing is truly amazing. His inner strength and drive in becoming a SEAL is amazing. His story leading up to the summer of 2005 and the public's response to his heroism after his death is amazing.

That said, this book reads like a professional brief and not a book. The author did his homework and was sitting on great sources and a potentially stellar story, though he didn't shape it as such.

Read this book to learn about Murphy, but not for its style.

[Theri Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about Lt. Michael P. Murphy. If you have read or are thinking about reading Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell and I highly recommend you do, this would be the book to read next. This book is the life and legacy of Michael Murphy, from childhood where you get glimpses of the man he ultimately would become, to Operation Redwings that ultimately took his life.

The author gives us an in depth personal look in to the family and friends that shaped him. My heart ached for Maureen (his mother) as she waited desperately for hours for word about her son. We were able to hear from her what it was like to raise a fearless Michael; and from the father that served in Vietnam and was wore his injuries and experiences there as a badge of honor. One can only assume that Michael listened and learned and strove to be the best he could be.

Marcus’ book Lone Survival is Operation Redwings in real time as it happened through his eyes. SEAL of Honor gives us a look at what happened before, during and after from all angles. There is no blurring of the lines between the books, so again I strongly recommend both these books for an accurate account of the operation that took so many American lives.

In a touching and heartfelt way this book honors each of the brave men that went above and beyond what was asked of them on that fateful day.
My heart goes out to all the Mothers, Fathers, Sisters, Brothers, Wives and Children of all these brave men. Thank you for your sacrifice, may these brave men and all service men and woman that answer the call for freedom never be forgotten.

[Brett C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good biography of LT Michael Murphy and the tragic Operation Red Wings. The story gives his biography as a kid, growing up, becoming a SEAL, training, and then going to Afghanistan. A very patriotic and heart wrenching story. Recommended for military history buffs. Thanks!

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty easy book to read. Not a lot of pages. Very hard to read because it is about Operation Red Wings, the SEAL op that resulted in the deaths of 19 US personnel. June 28, 2005.

We know the outcome already. But unless we were there, we still want the details. This is about the Team Leader, Lt. Michael P. Murphy, the SEAL officer whose actions later resulted in our nation's highest award, The Medal Of Honor. IMHO the only country that can produce such warriors, such honorable men, is this great country.

From the time Michael was young, you could see he was someone special. This story tells just how true that was, and how very special he turned out to be. Even years after his death, his life continues to impact others.

I wish I had met Lt. Murphy. It would have been a great honor.

If you want to learn more about Operation Red Wings, read 'Lone Survivor' by Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell. He would know. He WAS there.

BTW, it took almost three more years, but we never stopped searching, and on April 15, 2008, we caught up with the Afghan leader who was the focus of Operation Red Wings, Mullah Ahmed Shah, the man in charge of those who killed not only the 19 men on June 28, 2005, but was also responsible for other American deaths, and killed him and all the men he was with. May he forever rot in a very warm place.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lt. Murphy, the leader of a Navy SEAL squad was killed during a fierce battle against the Taliban on a remote mountainside in the Kongeral Valley in Afghanistan on 28 June 2005. Lt. Murphy was the first to receive the Medal of Honor for service in Afghanistan; he was also the first naval officer to receive the Medal since the Viet Nam War. The author tells the story of Murphy’s life and how he came to be a SEAL. The book also goes into detail about the other members of the squad and the men that died on the rescue helicopter that was shot down while attempting to rescue them. The book provides some insight into the military person and their family. I think it is fantastic that the Navy has named a guided-missile destroyer and a naval base after Lt. Murphy. A.T. Chandler did a good job narrating the book.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coming off of the heels of Lone Survivor, this book was a disappointment. Where Lone Survivor was full of life, Seal of Honor was drab*; it is like comparing a Bose Surround Sound to a cheap clock radio. What a shame, as I really wanted to get to know the life of this extraordinary man.

*putting aside the obvious comparision that Luttrell survived and Murphy did not and that their families had to cope with very different outcomes, I am referring to the writing style.

That being said, Williams definitely did his research - of that there is no question. Unfortunately, it came off like a research paper or an after-action report and instead of evoking any feelings, the book felt like a required reading of a boring class. If you really want to know Murphy's accomplishments (and they were many and impressive) in a resume-like format, this is a great read.

The one good thing is that I will probably be returning to Seal of Honor in the future, but as a reference guide in case I have a questions about a SEAL acronym.

If you want to find about who Mike Murphy was, read Lone Survivor - that book is a true tribute to these heroes; if you want to know what courses he took or the minutiae of who stood where at the funeral, then read Seal of Honor.

[Julie Pint · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great story and Michael Murphy is hugely inspiring. However, many places the technical information really drags the book.

[Una · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful look into the honorable life of Lt. Michael Murphy, USN SEAL & a man who achieved the highest award in the military, the Medal of Honor, for his integrity, dedication, compassion, determination, courage & leadership. This book also provides a good glimpse into the lives of SEALs: the training, testing, perseverance, physical & mental determination, as well as the commitment to the team. These men form such a strong bond they are willing to die for each other, as was the case in this story's mission set in the rugged & unforgiving mountains of Afghanistan. What these men did is astounding.

I came away with a clearer appreciation for the character, training & willingness to sacrifice each of the men possesses. It is an incredibly inspirational book, but not in the usual way books are inspirational. This is a real-life testament to the possibilities achievable by the human body & will & spirit. For those days I have a hard time mustering through, all I need to think is, 'Well, if they give that much, I can certainly give this much, which pales by comparison.'

My thanks to all who serve to keep us free. This book is a factual presentation of the mission, the life, and the commitment made by our military, & in particular one very strong SEAL leader & his team. I am very grateful to have read this book. These men are the warrior elite. They are our role-models for courage, bravery, intelligence, commitment. I'm better for having read their story, I believe. (The book, 'Lone Survivor' is a good resource to accompany this one, as it gives the battle story as shared by the man who survived & could provide the details that led to Lt. Murphy being awarded the Medal of Honor. I read that one first.)

Quotes I liked:

(regarding Hell Week)....'taking the punishment handed out by the instructors; & trying not to think about what was to come, b/c more often than not it was the anticipation that destroyed the will to go on... He also had a clear vision of where he wanted to go in life. Having this vision made him less likely to fall prey to the mental & physical torture of BUD/S'

'Brave men have fought & died building the proud tradition & feared reputation that I am bound to uphold. In the worst of conditions, the legacy of my teammates steadies my resolve & silently guides my every deed. I will not fail.'

'Be passionate in the pursuit of excellence. Be cautious when working with those who are not. Never allow another man's attitude to jeopardize the mission. Look for the best in your teammates, not the worst. There are plenty of flaws within each of us. Look for the positive; help & assist with weaknesses.'

[Shannon T.L. · Rating 1 out of 5]

i wanted so much to like this book. i am fascinated by the story of "operation red wings" and loved "lone survivor". i was interested in hearing about one of the other men on that mission.

to put it mildly, this book sucked. and here's why:

whoever edited this thing should be fired. there were so many typos (i mean, tons and tons of typos), bad grammar, etc.

over a third of the book (maybe even half) was pretty much cribbed from dick couch's excellent books on the navy seals and their training processes. good information if you've never read it, but in a book that purports to tell Lt. Murphy's story to have so much time dedicated to that without making it relevant to Lt. Murphy was a waste. every once in a while the author would throw in a short anecdote about Lt. Murphy in training, but that was about it.

basically it seemed like the author didn't have enough material for a full length book. i feel like i didn't learn much about Lt. Murphy, instead i learned all about the many memorials and parks named after him. and i re-read things that i'd already read in couch's books.

occasionally the author would hint at hidden tensions between the family and others, but he never explains them. i feel like if you don't want to write about the dirt, then don't just passive aggressively hint at it. instead leave it out entirely.

this whole book was just poorly written and poorly constructed. add on that it's selling for MRP of $30 and i am just pissed off.

so this book gets one star.

Lt. Murphy on the other hand gets five stars. I just wish this book said more about him.

[Glenda · Rating 2 out of 5]

It pains me to give this book only 2 stars ("it was okay") but unfortunately, the book IMO doesn't do justice to the man.

The first part of the book is about his family and what they were doing the day that Lt. Michael Murphy died, including the notification to the family. I felt that should be private, and it doesn't really IMO add to the story of Murphy's life.

The author does explain Murphy's history - a seemingly fearless daredevil and love of water/swimming from a young age, as well as someone who was raised to think first of others (or that came naturally to him, or both).

Ultimately Murphy sacrificed his life in an attempt to save his team during Operation Red Wings, and while not always perfect - clearly he was a leader among men, someone who had a sense of responsibility and duty above and beyond most.

It does seem as though the author did his research (if you need a reference of SEAL acronyms, look no further) I just don't think it's all that well written (typos and grammar issues aside) and I think Murphy deserves a better tribute. I suspect a lot of the 4-5 star reviews are for Lt. Michael Murphy and his story - not the book.

[Miki · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Medal of Honor is given to those who have performed service over and above the call of duty. There must be more to the story of this man's heroism, because it seemed to me that he didn't earn this award. From all accounts he was a good man and a dedicated soldier, and a highly praised leader. However, not only did he accidentally shoot a teammate while in training, ending the teammate's career, this man's SEAL team, by his own order, broke mission protocol and were discovered by the enemy. They were attacked by a much greater force and were overrun. He was one of the first killed and had no chance to go "over and above". How and why was he then chosen to receive the Medal?

There was only one survivor to the attack, found several days later, who has also written a book about the situation.I will be getting this book to see if it explains more.

[Dan Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trying to avoid hyperbole, this book is a fantastic view into the remarkable life of LT. Michael Murphy. The author made sure to point out that Murphy was not a perfect man and not a perfect SEAL but he lived his life honorably and with distinction and valor, especially on his last day. Additionally, there are details about the process required to become a SEAL. There are details regarding the process of becoming a Medal of Honor recipient. What really moved me though, was how much of a team player Murphy was and how much heart he had. I'm a firm believer that you can't teach "heart" and Murphy had it in spades.

As a parent with his first son due in the next month, I couldn't help but think that I would be an incredibly lucky father to have a son that grew into a man like Murphy.

I recommend this to anyone. Period.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lt. Michael P. Murphy, USN, was an extraordinary person that gave everything for our country. The sacrifice made by him and his family on all of our behalf is staggering.

Thank you Lt. Murphy, for proving that in following your heart to your goals, planning the work and working the plan will deliver achievement. You accomplished more in your short life than many others accomplish in a normal life span. Thank you for teaching that by being genuinely caring of others, goodness can be perpetuated for generations to come. Finally, thank you for reassuring us all, that in the end, it really is about love for each other.

Blessings to you and your family.

[Emylie · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times I felt like this book was giving me lists of information put together in paragraph form and then a sentimental sentence was tagged on at the end. I read this book after two books written by Navy SEALS that I really liked, so perhaps I would have enjoyed this more if I read it before those...but the book left me feeling like there was so much more to know about this incredible person. Instead, it told us about who rode the red bus to the Pentagon for a tour during the week the Medal of Honor was presented. There were also a few typos and that frustrates me.

[Kennedy Bekedam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually cry when reading about war, but with this one I was more proud then sad. Don't get me wrong, it was sad but the sacrifice and honor in this book, is extraordinary. I've also seen the movie, in which I cried my eyes out. Over all you need to read this book

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the most well written, but hard to put down because of the subject. A true hero, he deserves to have his story known

[Abby Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw his face first, and my heart gave a lurch. Before I knew what I was even about, I grabbed you off the shelf. "It's Mike Murphy," I told my questioning cousin. I would have left everything in that thrift store cart simply to own this book about Mike Murphy.

I've read Lone Survivor twice, but it's been a few years since I was in my Operation Red Wings stage. Reading this was like having really strange nostalgia.

it was a wonderful book to read. Respectful, honoring, clearly presented. I appreciated how often it pointed to Lone Survivor but tried not to repeat what Luttrell had already written about. I kept taking it outside to read without putting tissues in my pocket. Big mistake.

I read this while wrestling with the idea of feminine ideals—are they a blessing or a curse—only to laugh at myself when I realized my ideal is a Navy SEAL, so all other ideals seem less intense.

It amazed me how encouraging I found this book. It made me want to keep going, keep trying to do better in my own little corner of the world.

Murphy is one of my heroes, right up there with Dick Winters. I'm honored to have gotten to know Murphy a little better.

[David Applegarth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate the valor of Michael Murphy, and I respect his sacrifice. My two star rating of this book has nothing to do with what I think of Michael Murphy. My rating has to do my style with which Michael’s story was written. I felt like I was reading a Wikipedia article. The book lacked a personal touch. I don’t feel like I really got to know Michael or any other of the individuals involved in this story. I also feel that the author forgot the adage, “show don’t tell.” I heard a lot of telling and not a lot of showing in this book. I had to push myself to finish this book.

[Mike Gagliardi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me a while to get through this one becuase I’ve had a lot going on. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Michael Murphy is an idol of mine and has been for quite some time. Gary Williams does a terrific job of gathering every single fact that is relevant and laying it out here in a comprehensive, thorough, and amazing story. It covers everything in Michael’s life, including everything that was done to honor him as well as a little bit of background on everyone involved in Red Wings. Great read.

[Shania Hans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book to understand why the CNO of the Navy placed this book under the category he did, but now I understand. To me it fits under all 3 of categories, not just one. Everytime a new CNO comes to office, they make a list of books that sailors should read.
This being said, this has to be one of my favorite book that I have read. It is really telling about the life of LT Micheal Murphy.

[Mary Parsons lucchetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. This young man gave his all and then some. I felt like I knew him personally after I finished reading the book. What an amazing individual he was!! A huge thank you to all of our men and women who do and did sacrifice their lives each and every day so we may have our freedom.

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't recommend this book enough. I hardly ever give five astars. Even though you know the ending, his story, bravery, compassion and determination are worth paying tribute to. At the verh least, do him the respect of reading this.

[Colleen M Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing

The story of a true American hero- I was in tears a few times while reading this one. If you read Lone Survivor, you'll want to read this one too. If you haven't read it, you'll want to once you read this.

[Joseph Broderick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story

In the movie bridges at Tokyo ri a character states “where do we find men ugh as these? Having served in the USMC myself i still ask that question. Lt Murphy was an exceptional and extraordinary warrior.

[Michael Noirot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very well researched book. The author did a fantastic job explaining the structure of the SEALs and the difficulties in becoming a Frogman. I am in awe of Lt Michael Murphy. RIP, frogman!

[Lorraine Ortego · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Thank God for the wonderful men and women who have fought and died to preserve freedom for all Americans, even those who do not appreciate it

[Chuck Mankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story about an amazing American Hero.

[Lyndsey Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

You only need to read the first half of the book:)

[John F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventure & Informative!

Mr. Williams does an excellent job telling the story of Operation Red Wings and the story of MOH LT. (SEAL) Michael P. Murphy. I highly recommend this book!

[Joe Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three and a half stars. Decent read.