"We Train Soldiers in Morality" - the LT Murphy Story

Bottom Line Up Front: If LT Michael Murphy had been a cold-hearted killer, he may very well be alive today.

Because the U.S. military trains ethics and moral codes to its soldiers, and because soldiers usually adhere to those ethics, soldiers are at greater risk of death and injury because when faced with the moral dilemma of erring on the side of caution for themselves or a civilian, they usually choose the latter.

This point is made clear in a letter to the editor of the Wall Street Journal by a former Army officer about the incredible story of LT Michael Murphy, who recently received the Medal of Honor.  

But first, some background:  

Navy SEAL LT Michael Murphy was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military award given by the United States, two years after his death in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005.

Murphy’s mission was to find, kill or capture Ahmad Shah, a high-ranking terrorist leader guarded by scores of heavily armed Taliban fighters.

As Murphy and his men watched and waited on the mountain, three Afghan shepherds trailing a herd of goats crossed their paths, blowing their cover. The shepherds presumably reported their presence and location to the Taliban and a fierce firefight ensued.  Murphy decided against killing the shepherds to prevent the outing of their position.  According to LT. Murphy's father:

"Michael was adamant that the civilians were going to be released, that he wasn't going to kill innocent people ... "

President Bush, who awarded the Medal of Honor to Murphy’s parents on their son’s behalf, described what happened next this way:

......and the SEALs launched a valiant counterattack while cascading from cliff to cliff. But as the enemy closed in, Michael recognized that the survival of his men depended on calling back to the base for reinforcements. With complete disregard for his own life, he moved into a clearing where his phone would get reception. He made the call, and Michael then fell under heavy fire. Yet his grace and upbringing never deserted him. Though severely wounded, he said "thank you" before hanging up, and returned to the fight -- before losing his life.

A Wall Street Journal letter to the editor today said this:

If Lt. Murphy Had Been A Cold-Blooded Killer
November 5, 2007; Page A17

As a former Army officer from Long Island, I was moved by Mark Lasswell's account of how Lt. Michael Murphy won the Medal of Honor and the story of the one Navy SEAL who made it back to tell the story ("Lone Survivor," Oct. 27, editorial page).

What struck me was that Lt. Murphy's unit was discovered by three goat herders. If the SEALs executed those herders, Lt. Murphy and his men might have survived. But we train officers in morality in the U.S. military. By doing the right thing, Lt. Murphy and 18 other Americans perished. Why didn't the media pick up on this part of the story? Is it because it doesn't fit the assumption that our soldiers are murderous thugs, killing and terrorizing women and children in the night?

Rich Bilello
USMA '90
Bay Shore, N.Y.

Politics create a moral dilemma: using military or civilian deaths to influence public policy and opinion against the war can actually create more casualties, but where is the media focus on LT Murphy's selfless humanitarianism and compassion?

SIGN THE FAMILY GUESTBOOK FOR LT. MICHAEL MURPHY

Trackback URL:
http://amyproctor.squarespace.com/blog/trackback/1353120

Comments

[Evrviglnt]

"Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace--but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" -- Patrick Henry

[CalPatriot]

I have a sneaking suspicion that the USA army has been victorious this “ whole” year and a decline in AQ operatives who make the bombs ( the funding from SA) have either fled, been captured, or killed. I hate the mainstream media ( except fox) that promotes that AQ was getting stronger and that this was really a civil war created by Bush. I was happy over a week ago the Army discovered a huge cache of weapons in a depot in Iraq -- no one there people had fled.

[Goat]

Well said my friend, well said. Our soldiers are the best of humanity not the worst as the MSM likes to portray/betray them.

[Brian H]

Edit note: "me may very well be alive" -- "HE might very well be alive."

Morality can take different perspectives; the safety of his mates and the achievement of his mission goals were also in the balance. I would not have criticized a decision to kill the shepherds, since the outcome of their release was almost certain.

I've wondered if a compromise was possible: leaving them bound, gagged, and blindfolded and then moving out. But maybe not.

[Amy P]

Brian, you are the second person today who pointed out a grammatical error, which is a testament to my hectic schedule. Thanks for pointing that out.