August 28, 2014
By G&A Online Editors
As a tribute to the service of Medal of Honor recipient Lt. Michael Murphy, the Sportsman Channel will be airing a Veteran's Day special of the highly acclaimed documentary MURPH: The Protector on Tuesday, November 11 at 6 p.m. ET. The airing is part of Salute to Service, a special Veteran's Day programming lineup hosted by Gary Sinise.
MURPH: The Protector presented by Bravo Company USA, is a full-length documentary examining Lt. Michael Murphy's life of honor, courage and commitment, as told by his friends, family and teammates.
Murphy was raised in Patchogue, New York, attended Penn State University and joined the U.S. Navy to serve as a SEAL. In 2005, Lt. Murphy was killed in action while participating in a mission to find a key anti-coalition militia commander in Afghanistan. The mission was later the subject of the 2013 Universal Pictures film "Lone Survivor" starring Mark Wahlberg. Taylor Kitsch portrayed Lt. Murphy in the hit film.
Lt. Murphy was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 2007, America's highest military honor. His Medal of Honor citation reads:
Advertisement
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as the leader of a special reconnaissance element with Naval Special Warfare Task Unit Afghanistan on 27 and 28 June 2005. While leading a mission to locate a high-level anti-coalition militia leader, Lieutenant Murphy demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger in the vicinity of Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan €¦ In his final act of bravery, he continued to engage the enemy until he was mortally wounded, gallantly giving his life for his country and for the cause of freedom. By his selfless leadership, courageous actions, and extraordinary devotion to duty, Lieutenant Murphy reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
"He was always very protective of people," reflected Lt. Murphy's mother, Maureen Murphy.
"A lot of people say things about people that passed away and they might be rightfully glorified. Anything that has been said about Mike is spot-on true €¦ he really was a protector," reminisced childhood friend James Emmerich.
Advertisement
Please take this opportunity to honor Lt. Murphy and support our Armed Forces. Check out this preview of the documentary and additional information below.
"MURPH: The Protector is an emotional rollercoaster that documents the life of a true American hero, and Sportsman Channel is proud to have the opportunity to televise the cable network premiere of his story," said Graig Hale, vice president of business development for Sportsman Channel. "Lt. Murphy's story of selfless acts of heroism and sacrifice, in and out of active duty, reflect Sportsman Channel's Salute to Service initiative that recognizes and honors all who serve and put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms we enjoy in America."
Murphy's story exemplifies the heroism, sacrifice and courage that all men and women serving the United States of America exemplify around the world.
Sportsman Channel's Veteran's Day Salute to Service initiative is an ongoing multimedia effort to celebrate American servicemen and women, as well as first responders. The initiative also raises awareness of issues and opportunities facing all the men and women who serve this great country. The special Veteran's Day Programming, hosted by Gary Sinise, will run from Noon to 8 p.m. ET on November 11.
Please join us in honoring Lt. Murphy and all who have served or are actively serving the United States of America.
'He was always very protective of people, ' reflected Lt. Murphy's mother Maureen Murphy.
Lt. Murphy was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 2007, America's highest military honor.
Navy file photo of SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy, from Patchogue, N.Y. Murphy was killed by enemy forces during a reconnaissance mission, Operation Red Wing, June 28, 2005, while leading a four-man team tasked with finding a key Taliban leader in the mountainous terrain near Asadabad, Afghanistan. The team came under fire from a much larger enemy force with superior tactical position. Murphy knowingly left his position of cover to get a clear signal in order to communicate with his headquarters and was mortally wounded while exposing himself to enemy fire. While being shot and shot at, Murphy provided his units location and requested immediate support for his element. He returned to his cover position to continue the fight until finally succumbing to his wounds. U.S. Navy photo (RELEASED)
Navy file photo of Navy SEALs operating in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. From left to right, Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Matthew G. Axelson, of Cupertino, Calif; Senior Chief Information Systems Technician Daniel R. Healy, of Exeter, N.H.; Quartermaster 2nd Class James Suh, of Deerfield Beach, Fla.; Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Marcus Luttrell; Machinist̢۪s Mate 2nd Class Eric S. Patton, of Boulder City, Nev.; and Lt. Michael P. Murphy, of Patchogue, N.Y. With the exception of Luttrell, all were killed June 28, 2005, by enemy forces while supporting Operation Red Wing. U.S. Navy photo (RELEASED)
Navy file photo of SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy, from Patchogue, N.Y., and Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Matthew G. Axelson, of Cupertino, Calif., taken in Afghanistan. Both were assigned to SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Murphy and Axelson were killed by enemy forces during a reconnaissance mission, Operation Red Wing, June 28, 2005. They were part of a four-man team tasked with finding a key Taliban leader in the mountainous terrain near Asadabad, Afghanistan, when they came under fire from a much larger enemy force with superior tactical position. U.S. Navy photo (RELEASED)
Navy file photo of SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy, from Patchogue, N.Y. Murphy was killed by enemy forces during a reconnaissance mission, Operation Red Wing, June 28, 2005, while leading a four-man team tasked with finding a key Taliban leader in the mountainous terrain near Asadabad, Afghanistan. The team came under fire from a much larger enemy force with superior tactical position. Murphy knowingly left his position of cover to get a clear signal in order to communicate with his headquarters and was mortally wounded while exposing himself to enemy fire. While being shot and shot at, Murphy provided his units location and requested immediate support for his element. He returned to his cover position to continue the fight until finally succumbing to his wounds. U.S. Navy photo (RELEASED)
As a tribute to the service of Medal of Honor recipient Lt. Michael Murphy, the Sportsman Channel will be airing the network cable premier of the highly acclaimed documentary MURPH: The Protector on Thursday and Friday, September 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. ET.
Enjoy articles like this?
Subscribe to the magazine.
Get access to everything Guns & Ammo has to offer.
Subscribe to the Magazine
