COLONEL JAMES F. MURPHY (then First Lieutenant), Infantry, United States Army. Lieutenant Murphy, a member of an infantry company, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Schui-ryong, Korea. On 18 January 1953, Lieutenant Murphy, a platoon leader, was engaged in repelling a three-prong attack by a large enemy force on his unitÃs 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. Entered the Federal service from Oklahoma.
Colonel Murphy, a life member, joined the Legion of Valor in 1960. He resides in Oklahoma.