Marines, sailors and family members gathered here to honor a Wounded Warrior Regiment staff member during an award ceremony at the regimental headquarters today.
Major Jamie P. Murphy, the Wounded Warrior Regiment's future operations officer, was presented the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" device by his former commanding officer, Lieutenant Col. J.D. Harrill.
Murphy earned the Bronze Star for his heroic service in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving in Marjah, Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Harrill, the former commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 1, 2nd Marine Division (Forward), traveled from Camp Lejeune, N.C. to present Murphy with his medal. With him, was Sgt. Maj. Richard Mathern, the former sergeant major of the unit.
Several actions were read aloud as part of the award citation, including Murphy’s actions immediately following an I.E.D. blast.
“With no regard for his safety, he ignored the threat of additional devices and directed the movement of the wounded from the blast area, directed the defense against a possible further attack, and executed casualty evacuations,” read Mathern. “His efforts allowed the position to be established and materially contributed to the defeat of the insurgency as it validated the commitment of Marines to the Afghan elders and people. His decisive actions immediately following the blast turned a seeming enemy victory into a key defeat and that saw the enemy evicted from the area.”
Upon receiving the medal, Murphy said it was possible because of three things. The thanked his wife and family for their support, his outstanding leaders for their guidance and most importantly, he thanked the Marines of 2/8 for their ability to wake up each day and bring the fight to the enemy for the benefit of the Afghan people.