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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] James F. Murphy (ASN: 0-2028421), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 40th Infantry Division, in action near Sahuirong, North Korea, on 19 – 20 February 1953. In the process of conducting a raid on enemy lines in an effort to take a prisoner the third platoon of Company F discovered enemy movement on a ridge to the left. The original mission was changed to one of attack with the supporting element delivering flanking fire. As the assault element closed in they realized that they were walking oversleeping enemy troops. At the same instant the enemy became alerted and a point blank fire and grenade battle ensued. Captain Murphy, who had been with the company commander during the action, volunteered to lead a new attack to divide the enemy’s attention. Speed being essential Captain Murphy was able to assemble only nine men but nevertheless proceeded toward the ridge. Despite having to proceed through scattered enemy troops from whom he received several wounds, Captain Murphy reached his objective and accomplished his mission. The gallantry, superior leadership, and cool judgment of Captain Murphy blunted an enemy attack and are in keeping with the traditions of the military service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    5th Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    40th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 18, 1953
    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 668 (July 18, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James F. Murphy (ASN: 0-2028421), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company F, 5th Regimental Combat Team. 40th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Murphy distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Schui-ryong, Korea, on 18 January 1953. On that date, Lieutenant Murphy, a platoon leader, was engaged in repelling a three-prong attack by a large enemy force on his unit’s position. He led his men into the hostile ranks, personally employing carbine fire, grenades and automatic rifle fire in breaking up the attack, and pursuing the retreating enemy after the repulse. Later, hearing cries for help from a valley in front of his position, he made his way, with two volunteers, down the icy slope to a point where he discovered a wounded American soldier, stripped of clothing by the enemy, abandoned, and in great danger of death by freezing. Lieutenant Murphy worked under enemy observation for approximately three hours rigging a rope sling to carry the wounded man to safety. The extraordinary heroism exhibited by Lieutenant Murphy on this occasion reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.