HEADQUARTERS U. S. MARINE CORPS
Office of the Commandant
Washington, DC, 20360
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL posthumously to
MAJOR WALTER M. MURPHY
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Operations Officer of the First Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division (reinforced), in operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 31 January 1968. Major Murphy was in command of a provisional unit assigned to reinforce the Military Assistance Command Headquarters in Hue and attempt to rescue a general officer of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam near the Citadel. As his unit moved 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
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