The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Major (Infantry) Robert C. Murphy (ASN: 0-91468), United States Army, for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force. Major Murphy distinguished himself by heroic action on 4 June 1969 while serving as Senior Advisor, Capital Military District Advisory Detachment, Advisory Team 100, United States Army Advisory Group, III Corps Tactical Zone, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. On that date the 34th Ranger Battalion headquarters element was engaged in a recovery operation involving a downed helicopter gunship and the bodies of its four man crew in the Rach Ong Keo River. Though aware of the possibility of ambush from an enemy sapper battalion operating in the vicinity, Major Murphy aggressively supervised the rescue operation and participated in diving efforts with unyielding determination. Enemy movement on the shore was observed from a river patrol boat which immediately opened fire. Withering automatic weapons fire was returned and directed at both the boat and recovery crew. Disregarding the hostile fire, Major Murphy swam to shore and began effectively placing fire on the enemy’s position with his own automatic weapon. After directing the initial fire of gunships which arrived in support of the ground operation, he boarded the boat and began security provisions for a helicopter due on station to retrieve the downed helicopter. He directed strategic firing runs up and down the eastern bank of the river. Enemy movement was again spotted and Major Murphy, disregarding personal safety, moved about the craft directing fire onto the enemy position. The gunships had expended all ammunition and departed. When the helicopter arrived, he initiated hazardous firing runs close to the pick up point and provided protection for the unsuspecting recovery craft. His efforts in personally participating in diving efforts and providing security for the ultimate recovery of the helicopter were directly responsible for the success of the operation and averting the probable loss of additional American lives and the helicopter. Major Murphy’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.






