Major Robert C. Murphy, USA was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross in recognition of his extraordinary heroism while serving as a captain against an armed hostile force in hte Republic of Vietnam. On 6 February 1966, Captain Murphy, his command group, and one reinforced rifle platoon were deployed by helicopter to complete an encirclement of an entrenched Viet Cong company in the village of Canh-Tinh, Republic of Vietnam. On two occasions en route to their objective, this unit was subjected to intense and accurate sniper fire. Captain Murphy remained exposed to direct airstrikes and artillery fire into the insurgent positions in order to enable his unit to complete their objective. As Captain Murphy and his comrades approached the village, they came under deadly grazing machine gun fire. Upon coordinating with the other unit commander to launch a company attack, he led his troops in an assault through a murderous hail of bullets to storm the insurgent trenches. The Viet Cong fell back upon facing the attacking force. A vicious house-to-house battle followed. The Viet Cong, defending a series of fortified bunkers, pinned down one of the leading elements. Realizing that the momentum of the assault was faltering, Captain Murphy seized the initiative and charged through the intense hail of fire to destroy a bunker and kill two insurgents. Inside the village, a machine gun began firing at Captain Murphy. With great courage, and under the covering fire of another man, he again charged the hostile position, destroying the bunker and killing four more Viet Cong. He then recognized and consolidated his forces. The success of the operation was marked by his professional ability and courage. Captain Murphy’s extraordinary heroism and gallantry in action are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

Major Murphy joined the Legion of Valor in 1974.