The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Major (Infantry) Robert C. Murphy (ASN: 0-91468), United States Army, for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against a hostile force during the period 22 October 1968 to 24 March 1969 while serving as Staff Advisor, 3d Brigade, Vietnamese Airborne Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. During that period, the smooth and professional manner in which the staff brigade functioned both in combat and garrison situations was directly attributable to Major Murphy’s dedicated efforts. During tactical operations with the 5th Division, and again on brigade size operations in Tay Ninh Province, Major Murphy assumed control of the advisor forward command post element and rendered invaluable assistance and guidance to the brigade headquarters elements in displacing and quickly reestablishing a forward tactical command post while maintaining close and efficient communications and control. This allowed the brigade commander and senior advisor to easily maintain control of the tactical situation; something that had been difficult and tenuous during previous operations. Major Murphy’s outstanding achievement was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Captain (Infantry) Robert C. Murphy (ASN: 0-91468), Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Infantry Division, for honorable and meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Murphy distinguished himself during the period 12 March 1966 to 13 May 1966 while serving as Aide-de-Camp to the Assistant Division Commander. Captain Murphy accomplished his duties and responsibilities in an exceptionally professional manner. He capably managed the activities of the Office of the Assistant Commander, developed sound schedules of visits and inspections, and was particularly effective in coordinating the actions of the office with the various headquarters staff elements. His day to day duties found him in close contact with many high-ranking military and civilian leaders. The courteous and tactful relations maintained with these officials were consistently of the highest order and contributed significantly to the favorable reputation of the 1st Infantry Division. His personal bearing and execution of duty have been at all times reflective of the high office with which he was associated. Captain Murphy’s outstanding display of aggressiveness and devotion to duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Major (Infantry) Robert C. Murphy (ASN: 0-91468), United States Army, for meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force during the period September 1968 to August 1969 while serving successively as Staff Advisor, 3d Brigade, Airborne Division, and as Senior Advisor, 6th Ranger Group, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. During that period Major Murphy displayed rare insight, deft organizational ability, outstanding skill as a tactician and exceptional leadership in organizing the functions of a staff advisory element and then advising an Army of the Republic of Vietnam Ranger Group. He was unique in his ability to function under great pressures and made correct decisions under the stresses of combat conditions. Major Murphy’s comprehensive knowledge of the experiences in combat enabled him to give invaluable advice and assistance to both his counterparts and subordinates. Through his outstanding leadership, enthusiasm and professional knowledge, all who served with him were motivated, thereby promoting outstanding esprit and coordinated effort toward a common goal. Major Murphy’s performance of duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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.