thedrifter
05-24-09, 07:07 AM
N.Y. town honors Osprey pioneer
From the (Westchester, N.Y.) Journal News
Posted : Saturday May 23, 2009 9:17:52 EDT
Lt. Col. Michael Murphy’s dog tag hangs from his dad’s keychain. In their home, the Murphys display a framed photo of their son along with the American flag they were presented after he was buried.
With Orangetown, N.Y., naming a new street in Michael’s honor, they now have another token with which to remember the Marine test pilot who died in 2000 when his MV-22 Osprey crashed near Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Before he was assigned to the Osprey, Murphy chauffeured President Bill Clinton aboard Marine One. He was 38 when he died.
The street, part of a small housing development ending in a cul-de-sac, is just down the road from the Murphys’ longtime home. The street sign includes a plaque describing Murphy’s life and sacrifice.
“We have adopted a tradition of honoring those that have given the ultimate sacrifice,” Town Supervisor Thom Kleiner said. “Certainly Lt. Col. Murphy not only did that, but was particularly heroic because he was engaged in a dangerous, untested mission.
“Unquestionably, his sacrifice saved the lives of servicemen and women who would come after him.”
Over the years, there have been other projects to remember Michael Murphy. His parents helped create a monument honoring the Marines killed in two Osprey crashes. It was dedicated last year at the Marine Heritage Center, outside Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.
Ellie
From the (Westchester, N.Y.) Journal News
Posted : Saturday May 23, 2009 9:17:52 EDT
Lt. Col. Michael Murphy’s dog tag hangs from his dad’s keychain. In their home, the Murphys display a framed photo of their son along with the American flag they were presented after he was buried.
With Orangetown, N.Y., naming a new street in Michael’s honor, they now have another token with which to remember the Marine test pilot who died in 2000 when his MV-22 Osprey crashed near Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Before he was assigned to the Osprey, Murphy chauffeured President Bill Clinton aboard Marine One. He was 38 when he died.
The street, part of a small housing development ending in a cul-de-sac, is just down the road from the Murphys’ longtime home. The street sign includes a plaque describing Murphy’s life and sacrifice.
“We have adopted a tradition of honoring those that have given the ultimate sacrifice,” Town Supervisor Thom Kleiner said. “Certainly Lt. Col. Murphy not only did that, but was particularly heroic because he was engaged in a dangerous, untested mission.
“Unquestionably, his sacrifice saved the lives of servicemen and women who would come after him.”
Over the years, there have been other projects to remember Michael Murphy. His parents helped create a monument honoring the Marines killed in two Osprey crashes. It was dedicated last year at the Marine Heritage Center, outside Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.
Ellie