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Hero SEAL's Parents Accept Medal of Honor

Emotional prez acknowledges 'debt that can't be repaid'

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 23, 2007 3:36 AM CDT

(Newser) – President Bush yesterday presented the Medal of Honor to the parents of a Navy SEAL from Long Island who lost his life in Afghanistan after calling for help to save his team. The debt owed to Lt. Michael Murphy "cannot diminish over time and can never be repaid," said Bush, his voice often choking with emotion. The award is the nation's highest military honor.

Only one man in the five-member team survived the 2005 firefight. Bush remarked on the "grace" that never deserted Murphy, pointing out that the SEAL said "thank you" before breaking radio contact and returning to the fight. Murphy's parents gave Bush a replica set of their son's dog tags, which he promptly hung around his neck. "He's right next to my heart," Bush said, patting his chest.

President Bush, right, presents the Medal of Honor to the parents of Navy Seal Lt. Michael Murphy of Patchogue, N.Y., Daniel Murphy, left, and mother Maureen Murphy, center, Monday, Oct. 22, 2007, during... (Associated Press)

This undated file photo released by the U.S. Navy shows Navy Seal Lt. Michael P. Murphy, from Patchogue, N.Y. Murphy. Murphy who was killed while leading a reconnaissance mission deep behind enemy lines... (Associated Press)

President Bush, right, applauds Daniel Murphy and Maureen Murphy, parents of Navy Seal Lt. Michael Murphy of Patchogue, N.Y., during a ceremony honoring him with the Medal of Honor posthumously, Monday,... (Associated Press)

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Hero SEAL's Parents Accept Medal of Honor

Emotional prez acknowledges 'debt that can't be repaid'

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