Michael P. Murphy 5K Run/Walk Remembers Medal of Honor Recipient

Sunday 9.19
BETHPAGE
5K Run and Walk to Honor Lt. Michael P. Murphy @ Bethpage State Park Polo Field
99 Quaker Meeting House Rd. 516-520-2301. $30. Check-in: 7:30 a.m.; Race Starts: 9 a.m. More info.

Michael P. Murphy graduated from Penn State University with honors. After graduating, he joined the Navy SEALs. By age 29, Murphy was put in charge of Operation Red Wings, leading a four-man team into the Hindu Kush mountains along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border to chase Taliban official Ahmad Shah. Surrounded by Taliban forces, Murphy climbed to higher ground in an effort to call for help. He was shot but managed to radio for reinforcements. Murphy would eventually be killed, along with two members of his squad. The Chinook helicopter that came to his rescue was shot down by an RPG, killing all 16 people onboard. Only the fourth member of Operation Red Wings, Marcus Luttrell, survived, eventually making his way back to U.S. forces. He recounted the tale of what transpired. The four-man team became the most decorated SEALs team in history. The three other members of Murphy’s squad were awarded the Navy Cross, the Navy’s second-highest honor. Murphy would go on to receive the Medal of Honor, the country’s highest military award and the first of the Afghanistan war, along with the Purple Heart, Silver Heart, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and Combat Action Ribbon. To honor Murphy’s legacy, all you have to do is run (or walk) 3.1 miles. NYPD Detective Steven McDonald will serve as this year’s chairman and Gary Williams, who authored Seal of Honor: Operation Red Wings and the Life of Lt. Michael P. Murphy will be signing copies of his book. All participants receive a gift bag and T-shirt, and proceeds go to the purchasing of emergency medical equipment.