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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Tracy Henry Murrey (ASN: 0-5331649), United States Army, for gallantry in action. First Lieutenant Murrey distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 November 1967, while serving as a member of Company C, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). Company C was called upon to reinforce two companies of the 1st Battalion, 503d Infantry. The two companies were surrounded, taking heavy casualties and were getting low on ammunition. Company C was air lifted to a landing zone. The second platoon was leading out. When the platoon reached the old harbor site of the 1st Battalion, 503d Infantry, Lieutenant Murrey spotted two enemy soldiers who were booby trapping the friendly position. He quickly moved forward and by his quick action captured both of them. Shortly thereafter, contact was made with the North Vietnamese forces. Lieutenant Murrey immediately deployed the platoon and started to move forward. With complete disregard for his own safety, he continually exposed himself to heavy automatic weapons fire to direct his men. Receiving word that the two companies of the 1st Battalion were out of ammunition, he led his men in the final assault. Moving on the double and killing North Vietnamese, his platoon broke through the perimeter and opened up a hole where the rest of the company was able to reinforce the other units. Once in the perimeter, he moved his men and was able to push out the perimeter. He was also instrumental in driving back two assaults on the perimeter. Once the wounded were evacuated, his platoon pulled back under fire, covering the rest of the company. Lieutenant Murrey’s outstanding leadership was in the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    4th Battalion (Airborne)

    Regiment:

    503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate)

    Action Date:

    November 20, 1967
    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 400 (January 27, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Tracy Henry Murrey (ASN: 0-5331649), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). First Lieutenant Murrey distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 November 1967 while serving as platoon leader of an airborne infantry unit during a search and destroy mission on Hill 875 at Dak To. A sister company had been pinned down by fierce enemy rocket, mortar and automatic weapons fire while assaulting the heavily fortified hill and Lieutenant Murrey fearlessly led his platoon through a curtain of fire to strengthen the right flank of the beleaguered force. Repeatedly exposing himself to the withering barrage, he positioned his men and directed a deadly fusillade against the enemy bunkers. He quickly determined the location of the heaviest fire and led his men in an aggressive assault on the hill. Inspiring his men by his calmness and determination in the face of the murderous enemy fire, he succeeded in leading his force across seventy-five meters of open ground toward the Viet Cong trenches before he was forced to momentarily withdraw under overwhelming hostile firepower. Quickly regrouping his forces, he led another fierce assault which swept to within fifteen feet of the enemy positions. He then hurled two hand grenades inside the nearest bunker. Other North Vietnamese soldiers, in nearby fortifications, saw his devastating attack and concentrated their fire on him. He was mortally wounded while gallantly leading his men in the heat of battle. First Lieutenant Murrey’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.