Just-the-facts approach to SEAL’s heroic story - Entertainment, Books - Navy Times

Just-the-facts approach to SEAL’s heroic story

Lt. Michael Patrick Murphy was named after Michael the archangel, “field commander of the Army of God.”

Murphy, the first recipient (posthumously) of the Medal of Honor for service in Afghanistan, was only human — but with the stamina of a god.

Author Gary Williams opens this textbook story of Murphy’s life and death in June 2005, when Murphy’s family is awaiting news about the fate of Operation Red Wings in Kunar.

Eventually they learn that “your son and his men did not go down easy, because there were Taliban bodies strewn all over the place, 80-some casualties, blood trails everywhere.”

Murphy’s funeral procession is described with precision: The 120-vehicle motorcade “pulled out escorted by 10 uniformed local law enforcement officers on motorcycles” while “16 fire ladder trucks lined the road.”

Noting the numbers is an example of Williams’ just-the-facts approach.

The details explain the indefatigable Murphy’s achievements.

During college, Murphy was contemplating trying to become a SEAL and sought advice from decorated Navy Capt. Ryan McCombie.

“So,” asks McCombie, “you are interested in talking about the SEALs?”

“No sir,” Murphy replies. “I want to be a Navy SEAL. There’s a difference.”

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J. Ford Huffman is a Military Times book reviewer.