Richard Harding Murphy

Enlisted at Baltimore, MD, giving a false date of birth (December 19, 1919) – this appears on his military documents.

Boot camp at Parris Island; due to a long illness, completed training in May 1939. Outposted to Fox Company, Second Battalion, 5th Marines at Quantico, VA. Transferred to King Company, Third Battalion, 5th Marines on 1 April 1940; then to First Provisional Marine Company, First Marine Brigade on 18 June 1940. Outfit posted to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba on 29 July 1940. Served in Cuba through April 1942, during which time advanced in rank to sergeant.

On 8 April 1942, detached from Guantanamo and transferred to Marine Barracks, Naval Air Station, Jacksonville. Transferred to Marine Barracks, Navy Yard Philadelphia, for instruction at First Sergeant’s School on 17 July 1942. Advanced in rank to platoon sergeant. Transferred to Casual Company, Training Center New River; assigned duty with First Separate Battalion (Reinforced) on 1 October 1942.

Outfit: D/1/24th Marines
Rank: Gunnery Sergeant
MOS: 651 (Platoon NCO)

Campaign Narrative

Outfit: B/1/24th Marines
Rank: Gunnery Sergeant
MOS: 585 (First Sergeant)
Important Events:
July 18, 1944 – promoted to First Sergeant

Campaign Narrative

Outfit: B/1/24th Marines
Rank: First Sergeant
MOS: 585 (First Sergeant)
Important Events:
July 31, 1944 – wounded in action (cause not stated); not evacuated.

Campaign Narrative

Outfit: B/1/24th Marines
Rank: First Sergeant
MOS: 585 (First Sergeant)
Important Events:
February 19, 1945 – wounded in action (bullet or shrapnel in arm); refused evacuation. Later killed in action (shell fragment, chest); exact circumstances unknown.

Awarded Silver Star Medal for actions on this date.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Leader of a Rifle Platoon, serving with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, the night of 19 February 1945. Electing to remain with his platoon despite a painful shrapnel wound in his shoulder sustained earlier in the action, First Sergeant Murphy personally reconnoitered enemy-infested forward areas to select positions for his men in establishing a front-line defensive for the night. Despite the confusion, he moved about in the darkness under the enemy’s incessant shellfire to distribute grenades among his men and encourage them to remain steadfast in the face of imminent counterattack. Fatally struck down shortly thereafter by hostile fire, First Sergeant Murphy, by his courageous leadership, valiant spirit, and grave concern for the safety of others in the face of tremendous odds, had so inspired his platoon that the bitter Japanese onslaught was repulsed expeditiously and with a minimum of casualties. His stouthearted devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Campaign Narrative