“Carl and Jen have asked me to share my involvement with Lt. Michael Murphy and The Lone Survivor Foundation.”
I knew Michael Murphy, I knew more about him than most of his friends. I knew his social security number, names of family members, his pets, and even his favorite superhero. I knew him, but I never met him. I was tasked with the rescue and recovery of the men of Operation Redwing.
It was June 28, 2005 and I was packing my gear to return home from Afghanistan when my team got the call. I was a pararescueman with the United States Air Force Combat Search and Rescue Squadron. We were informed that an Army Chinook helicopter had just been shot down during a rescue attempt of a four man SEAL team, killing the crew and the eight man SEAL team onboard. With our smaller, faster helicopters it was felt we would have a better chance at rescue. That’s when I first learned about Lt. Michael Murphy and the men of Operation Redwing.
Operation Redwing was a small team operation intended to capture or kill a high ranking Taliban official. Shortly after insertion the team was compromised by a goat herder and his son. Facing a difficult decision, the team decided to release the father and son knowing it could jeopardize their mission. Shortly thereafter they were surrounded by Taliban and involved in a fierce firefight. With his team badly outnumbered and injured Lt. Michael Murphy knew he needed help but could not get a clear radio signal. He knew that getting a clear radio signal would expose him to the enemy but he had to think of his team first. Already wounded, Murph climbed a hill and called in a rescue helicopter. Shortly after making the call he was overtaken and killed.
The remaining team members continued to evade and return fire in hopes of holding out until the rescue forces arrived. They watched as the Army helicopter arrived, held a hover, and deployed a fast rope out of the back for the rescue SEAL team. As the SEAL team prepared to deploy from the helicopter a rocket-propelled grenade struck the rear of the helicopter causing it to collide with the mountainside instantly killing all onboard.
The remaining men of Operation Redwing were subsequently killed in action except for one, Petty Officer First Class Marcus Luttrell. Severely injured, Luttrell continued to evade until found by an Afghani shepherd who offered him aide. The shepherd delivered a hand-written note from Luttrell to a Marine base telling of his location and the fate of Operation Redwing. Word came to us of the lone survivor and we mounted a rescue mission. With the Taliban close on his heels, the shepherd continued to hide Luttrell but he knew it was only a matter of time before he was captured.
That evening, July 2, 2005, under the cover of darkness and with the escort of a C-130 gunship we flew through enemy fire to the small village. After nearly crashing into the mountain, we landed on a dangerously small outcrop of the mountainside. As soon as the wheels touched down, my teammate and I exited the helicopter in search of Luttrell. Through the darkness and wind of the rotor wash, we saw men in Afghani clothing approaching the aircraft. Knowing Taliban were in the area we raised our weapons. After authenticating them, we realized this was Luttrell and his escort and we quickly brought them onboard and signaled the pilot to take off. After Luttrell was returned to safety he informed us as to the location of his teammates. Next would be a recovery mission.
On the night of July 4th, with the help of allied ground forces, we flew back into the valley and recovered two of the members of Operation Redwing, including Lt. Michael Murphy.
After returning stateside, Marcus Luttrell went on to tell the story of Operation Redwing in a book titled The Lone Survivor. For his heroic acts Lt. Michael Murphy was awarded the Medal of Honor. Since that time Marcus Luttrell has continued to inform the public about Operation Redwing and has recently started a foundation called the Lone Survivor Foundation. This foundation helps wounded soldiers and their families cope with the difficulties of returning from war.
So now you know the story behind the workout, Murph. Something to think about when you feel like you can’t possibly do another pull-up…….
Thank you for sharing that story, Josh. It will definitely bring something new to Murph.
I’m offering prayers for Michael, his family, his team mates and their families, you and your family, and for all serving in the armed forces helping to keep us free. Thanks Josh.
That is incredible. It is hard for me to grasp the idea of everything these guys (and gals) have to deal with before they are even old enough to drink. It seems unfair and too heavy of a burden for anyone. I am so glad there are people out there that appreciate it. Thank you for sharing.
Amazing story. A huge “thanks” to all military members, past and present- keeping us safe and allowing us to lead our lives in whatever way we choose.
Thanks to CROSSFIT for honoring all of the other fallen heros as well- military, firefighters, and law enforcement.
It’s great to hear this story- I will definately keep it in mind while doing the workout.
thank you Josh for sharing this amazing story. It will definitely give me that extra push during the last mile of Murph.
[...] For those who are interested… we will instead be participating in a Memorial workout, fundraiser and potluck at Crossfit Works. The following workout is named after Lt. Michael Murphy, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2005. Read more about Lt. Michael Murphy and the Lone Survivor Foundation here. [...]
That was such a great story. I just started CrossFit less than a year ago at CF Virgina Beach and never knew the full story behind that WOD. Amazingly, I bought and read the book “The Lone Survivor” quite a few years ago. I never made the connection until now. Thank you Josh, and everyone else who has served our country (past and present).
thank you, josh!
I read “The Lone Survivor” in the summer of 2007 shortly after it came out in hardback. I devoured it within a few days. I had not yet heard of CrossFit but I loved this book. I hosted a book club meeting at my house and invited a Navy Seal guy as well as a surgeon who spent time in the special forces. It was an incredible meeting. Then, almost a year later, I heard about CrossFit. Ironically “Murph” was one of the first WODs I did. It has always had special meaning to me since I knew Michael Murphy from the pages of that book before he died. This is now how I approach all the Hero WODs. I read their bio’s and when I do the WOD I really think about their sacrifice and their families. It always pains me to hear their death was either in the line of fire or from some avoidable accidental casualty. My heart goes out to all the families.
Thanks, for what you do, I am greatful each day for the men and women that put their lives in harms way for us each day. I am a retired Veteran myself and have family menbers that have servered with great honor. Thanks for what you did for these great men.
[...] First off, you need to learn the exceptional story behind this workout: http://www.crossfitworks.com/archives/1681 [...]