[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 63 (Thursday, April 19, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H3564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO THE LATE RAYMOND G. MURPHY

  (Mr. SALAZAR asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to honor the life of a great 
American.
  Lt. Col. Raymond Gerald Murphy was born on January 14, 1930, in 
Pueblo, Colorado. He graduated from Pueblo Catholic High School and 
attended Fort Lewis Junior College in Durango, then Adams State College 
in Alamosa.
  After graduation, Jerry Murphy joined the Marine Corps Reserve and 
entered Officers Candidate School. In 1952, he was sent to Korea where 
he served with the 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division.
  In February 1953, Raymond Gerald Murphy was cited for ``Conspicuous 
Gallantry at the risk of his life and above and beyond the call of duty 
as a Platoon Commander.''
  Although painfully wounded by fragments from an enemy mortar shell, 
Second Lieutenant Murphy steadfastly refused medical attention and 
continued to lead his men up the hill through a withering barrage of 
hostile mortar and small-arms fire. Wounded a second time, he again 
refused assistance.
  His resolute and inspiring leadership, exceptional fortitude and 
great personal valor reflect the highest credit upon Lt. Col. Murphy 
and enhance the finest traditions of the United States military 
service.
  Raymond Gerald Murphy was the 39th United States Marine to be awarded 
the Medal of Honor for Heroism in the Korean War. In addition to the 
Medal of Honor, Lt. Col. Murphy was awarded the Silver Star, Purple 
Heart, Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, the United Nations 
Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.
  On Good Friday, Lt. Col. Raymond Jerry Murphy died in the Veterans 
Administration nursing home in Pueblo at the age of 77, Mr. Speaker, 
but his spirit and heroism will live forever.

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