Page 143 - Images: We were...We are

along in a truck convoy from Phu Bai, they were taken under intense enemy
automatic weapons, recoilless rifle, mortar, and anti-tank rocket fire. Major Murphy
moved forward through the intense enemy fire and reorganized the convoy and
directed its movement into Hue. Upon entering Hue, the Marines were once again
attacked and Major Murphy moved forward to encourage his men and maintain
their forward movement. Once inside the Military Assistance Command compound,
he organized and secured a landing zone for the medical evacuation of the
wounded. As the lead elements of moved toward the landing zone, it was once
again taken under recoilless rifle and machine gun fire from positions across the
Perfume River. Major Murphy dashed across the fire swept terrain and directed the
fire of the tanks on the enemy positions and then returned to his men and directed
their fire. After securing the bridge, Major Murphy moved his unit to the other side
where they were once again taken under intense enemy fire, wounding several
Marines. He again moved forward to assess the situation. When trucks arrived to
evacuate the wounded he assisted in placing the casualties aboard the vehicles.
Suddenly an enemy mortar round impacted near his position and he was mortally
wounded. By his bold initiative, gallant fighting spirit, and loyal devotion to duty,
Major Murphy reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld
the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life
for his country.

For the President,

/s/ L. F. Chapman, Jr.
Commandant of the Marine Corps

Section III 107