Seal of Honor

Operation Red Wings and the Life of LT Michael P. Murphy

By: Gary Williams

Narrated by: A. T. Chandler

Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Lt. Michael Patrick Murphy, commander of Navy SEAL Team 10, posthumously received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on 28 June 2005 during a fierce battle with Taliban fighters in the remote mountains of eastern Afghanistan. Michael was the first recipient of the nation’s highest military honor as a result of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan. He was also the first naval officer to earn the medal since the Vietnam War, and the first SEAL to be honored posthumously.

A young man of great character, he is the subject of Naval Special Warfare courses on leadership, and an Arleigh Burkeclass guided missile destroyer, naval base, school, post office, ball park, and hospital emergency room have all been named in his honor. In his best-selling book, Marcus Luttrell, the only survivor of Operation Red Wings, called Michael "the best officer I ever knew, an iron-souled warrior of colossal, almost unbelievable courage in the face of the enemy.”

SEAL of Honor tells the story of Michael’s life and how he came to be that man of selfless courage and honor. This biography argues that his heroic action during the deadly firefight with the Taliban revealed his true character and attempts to answer why Michael readily sacrificed his life for his comrades. SEAL of Honor is the story of a valiant young man who was recognized by his peers for his compassion and leadership, because he was guided by an extraordinary sense of duty and responsibility. Tracing Michael’s journey from a seemingly ordinary life on New York’s Long Island to that remote mountainside in Afghanistan, SEAL of Honor portrays how he came to the moment of extraordinary heroism that made him the most celebrated Medal of Honor recipient since WWII.

Moreover, the book brings the Afghan war back to the home front, focusing on the tight-knit Murphy family and the devastating effect his death had on them as they watched the story of Operation Red Wings unfold in the news. The book attempts to answer why Michael’s service to his country and his comrades was a calling faithfully answered, a duty justly upheld, and a life, while all too short, well lived.

©2010 Gary Williams (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Inspiring life of a patriot

If you could sum up Seal of Honor in three words, what would they be?

Inspiring, humbling, thoughtful

What did you like best about this story?

Learning more about a man who made the ultimate sacrifice for his team and his country.

Which scene was your favorite?

No specific favorite

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Would have loved to listen in one sitting, but just didnt have the time.

Any additional comments?

If you want to learn about the sacrifices that our countries finest make to protect our way of life, this book is is a must listen. Thanks you for sharing the story of Mikes life.

Great Story of what it takes to be the best

Would you listen to Seal of Honor again? Why?

I LOVED the first time listening to the book, but I would not listen to it a second time. Learning about 'Murph' was great. Knowing some of the amazing qualities and strength of this amazing man was inspiring. To learn everything that goes into making a NSW warrior is awe inspiring, but the book gets a little too detailed which causes you to lose focus due to all the acronyms.

What other book might you compare Seal of Honor to and why?

The Red Circle by Brandon Webb. They are very similar to the description and details pertaining to the NSW world.

Which character – as performed by A. T. Chandler – was your favorite?

All, A.T. Chandler does a great job of reading and has "The voice" for this book. You just can have anyone read you a story about our nations finest.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I was inspired through out the whole bool.

A Must Read for All Americans

What did you love best about Seal of Honor?

In my opinion Michael's story should be told to all Americans Middle School aged and up. As an educator for 16 years, I firmly believe the leadership and character that was displayed by Murph should be instilled in our youth of today. And as Americans we must never forget the sacrifices of Murph, his men, and others like him who protect our freedoms.

Awesome

A must read about the Great American hero Michael Murphy. I think more stories like his should be told

first Medal of Honor winner in Afghanistan

Lt. Murphy, the leader of a Navy SEAL squad was killed during a fierce battle against the Taliban on a remote mountainside in the Kongeral Valley in Afghanistan on 28 June 2005. Lt Murphy was the first to receive the Medal of Honor for service in Afghanistan; he was also the first naval officer to receive the Medal since the Viet Nam War. The author tells the story of Murphy’s life and how he came to be a SEAL. The book also goes into detail about the other members of the squad and the men that died on the rescue helicopter that was shot down while attempting to rescue them. The book provides some insight into the military person and their family. I think it is fantastic that the Navy has named a guided-missile destroyer and a naval base after Lt. Murphy. A.T. Chandler did a good job narrating the book.

Excellent and emotional read

This story really brings the legacy of Lt. Michael Murphy to life and gives a strong sense of pride and patriotism for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Would recommend to anyone looking to learn more about heroes and Operation Red Wings.

Powerful and informative story about an American hero.

I ran across this book on audible. Having watch the movie Lone Survivor, I couldn’t resist downloading and listening to it. I serve 23 years in the United States Navy, many of those years were in the submarine service. I’m not ashamed to say that I had tears in my years as I listen to the story of a true American hero.

Seal of Honor - Operation Red Wings

Story: The book follows the standard formula that follows this SEAL upto and after his death. The story is engaging and details a very good life. I recommend the book.

Performance: Excellent.

Production: Very good.

Another great SEAL book, highly recommend.

Thank you brother Murphy and to all our armed forces, God bless you all and families.

LT Michael P Murphy-An Honorable Life Story

If you could sum up Seal of Honor in three words, what would they be?

Best Distinguished Military Life Story-Could not describe it in less than the five words, I was thoroughly engrossed with the details of LT Michael P Murphy's Life and the legacy he leaves and inspires all who appreciate the contributions of military service, he and the 19 Seal Team Brothers engaging with a selfless valor.

What did you like best about this story?

It's a life story of an honorable LT Murphy and also mentions the Seal Team members that were assaulted on the Afghanistan mountain ridge on June 28, 2005 as they pursued a Taliban leader and his followers the mountain tigers who terrorizes the surrounding villages and the inhabitants with abusive and threatening ways.(previewed on "Soul Survivor" movie) This audible book gives you lots of insights of the incidents and the aftermath with a personable touch for all the lives mentioned, the eulogies by distinguished military in behalf of their own, just breath-taking and inspirational, distinguished metals awarded or badges earned, city recognitions, park, golf course, post office, White House Honors with President Bush, and the Warship USS Michael P Murphy so many mentioned it makes a lasting impression for so well deserved by those who serve wholeheartedly our Country with honorable mention of their lives.

What does A. T. Chandler bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Its important to me that the narrator speak clearly, and I usually select books that have a good English diction, its just to hard to listen to otherwise, if the accent is too harsh. I enjoyed the narration and if I needed to repeat some sections it was because of the many details described of this true life story. Excellent narrator!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Oh, I simply loved and enjoyed it. The book neither made me laugh or cry its a real life story of a distinguished life who will be missed by those who loved him and our nation will always remember how he served it in life & eternal repose with the many landmarks named in his honor.

Any additional comments?

LT Michael P Murphy seemed to be a sensitive, compassionate soul along with his
Seal Team brothers who respond in courage and in defense for love of Country may we value their unique lives with our deepest admiration.