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Raymond G. "Jerry" Murphy U.S. Marine Corps
Korea |
Congressional Medal of Honor
Rank and organization:
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th
Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein).
Place and date:
Korea, 3 February 1953.
Entered service at:
Pueblo, Colo.
Born:
14 January 1930, Pueblo Colo.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life above and
beyond the call of duty as a platoon commander of Company A, in action against enemy
aggressor forces. Although painfully wounded by fragments from an enemy mortar shell while
leading his evacuation platoon in support of assault units attacking a cleverly concealed
and well-entrenched hostile force occupying commanding ground, 2d Lt. Murphy steadfastly
refused medical aid and continued to lead his men up a hill through a withering barrage of
hostile mortar and small-arms fire, skillfully maneuvering his force from one position to
the next and shouting words of encouragement. Undeterred by the increasing intense enemy
fire, he immediately located causalities as they fell and made several trips up and down
the fire-swept hill to direct evacuation teams to the wounded, personally carrying many of
the stricken marines to safety. When reinforcements were needed by thew assaulting
elements, 2d Lt. Murphy employed part of his unit as support and, during the ensuing
battle, personally killed 2 of the enemy with his pistol. With all the wounded evacuated
and the assaulting units beginning to disengage, he remained behind with a carbine to
cover the movement of friendly forces of the hill and, though suffering intense pain from
his previous wounds, seized an automatic rifle to provide more firepower when the enemy
reappeared in the trenches. After reaching the base of the hill, he organized a search
party and again ascended the slope for a final check on missing marines, locating and
carrying the bodies of a machinegun crew back down the hill. Wounded a second time while
conducting the entire force to the line of departure through a continuing barrage of enemy
small-arms, artillery, and mortar fire, he again refused medical assistance until assured
that every one of his men, including all causalities, had preceded him to the main lines.
His resolute and inspiring leadership, exceptional fortitude, and great personal valor
reflect the highest credit upon 2d Lt. Murphy and enhance the finest traditions of the
U.S. Naval Service.
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