On Oct. 22, President George W. Bush awarded Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a Penn State graduate and Navy SEAL who was killed while leading an intelligence mission behind enemy lines in Afghanistan, a posthumous Medal of Honor at the White House. His parents accepted the honor from the president on behalf of their son, who was recognized for his heroism while leading a four-man reconnaissance mission on June 27 and 28, 2005, deep behind enemy lines east of Asadabad in Afghanistan.
On Saturday (Oct. 27), Murphy's parents again accepted an honor for their son, as they were recognized before the start of the Penn State-Ohio State football game at Beaver Stadium. Penn State President Graham B. Spanier presented Murphy's parents with a certificate that read, "The Pennsylvania State University recognized Lt. Michael P. Murphy as a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his gallantry and bravery serving as a United States Navy SEAL while under enemy attack in Afghanistan. Lt. Murphy represents the highest ideals of the University as an alumnus and patriot."
They were accompanied on the field by Penn State President Graham B. Spanier, U.S. Reps. Charlie Dent, Timothy Murphy, Todd Platts and Bill Shuster, and several military representatives as the University paid tribute to Murphy by dedicating the playing of the National Anthem to his memory. For more photos, visit http://live.psu.edu/stilllife/1487 online.