The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Thomas Ernest Murphy (NSN: 0-701888/110), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as the Director of Naval Intelligence’s Assistant for Interagency Coordination, Washington, D.C. from July 1988 through May 1991. As Director for the office charged with developing policy recommendations for the Secretary of the Navy on all matters relating to delicate Navy support to Department of Defense (DOD), and non-DOD Federal Agency programs, Captain Murphy made lasting contributions in protecting and advancing vital United States Government interests worldwide. Specifically, he was responsible for assessing Navy resources and coordinating logistic support to a variety of interagency projects involving funding transfers in excess of $145 million. These diverse actions culminated in a worldwide network of support facilities and programs spanning a variety of critical government requirements. Additionally, Captain Murphy’s distinctive leadership abilities and tenacity in managing this vital office, significantly advanced the rapid operational deployment of several state of the art weapons systems being developed by the Navy which ultimately played key roles in Operation DESERT STORM. By his astute judgment, positive leadership, and superlative devotion to duty, Captain Murphy reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Silver Star
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Thomas Ernest Murphy (NSN: 0-701888/110), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving in the Republic of Vietnam on 2 March 1969. While patrolling in Cai Be district, a heavily defended Viet Cong base camp area, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Murphy was acting as patrol leader and point man for a seven-man squad of the Fifth Platoon, SEAL Team Detachment ALFA. The squad approached a house containing a large size enemy force. As the squad moved close to the house they were sighted by the Viet Cong unit who immediately began to run from the house. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Murphy knowing that he was closest to the escaping men pursued a group of five armed men as they tried to escape. Although he had exposed himself and was without supporting fire he managed to kill four of the group. Under his direction other members of the enemy unit were then taken under fire as they fled the area. The entire operation resulted in ten Viet Cong killed, six individual weapons, and five B-40 rockets captured. As a result of the skillful execution of the operation, there were no friendly casualties. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Murphy’s leadership, initiative, aggressiveness and courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Defense Superior Service Medal to Captain Thomas Ernest Murphy (NSN: 0-701888/110), United States Navy, for exceptionally superior service as Chief, Plans Division, United States Forces Caribbean, from February 1982 to June 1984. Captain Murphy’s extraordinary range of achievements in all facets of joint service operations and planning were instrumental in increasing United States military presence in the Caribbean and in demonstrating national resolve to defend its vital interests. He was singularly responsible for developing imaginative solutions to a myriad of political and military problems facing decision makers in the Caribbean. In a position of special trust, Captain Murphy’s experience, knowledge and expertise across a broad spectrum of joint service operations and planning were an invaluable source of guidance and counsel. His steadfast devotion to duty, unstinting loyalty, brilliant leadership and exacting standards of professionalism provided lasting contributions to the planning and operational readiness of the United States Forces Caribbean and the Atlantic Command. The distinctive accomplishments of Captain Murphy reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Navy, and the Department of Defense.