Murphrey, Michael Chance
Male
Verified U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Michael Chance Murphrey, 25, of Snyder, Texas, died on September 6, 2009, at Forward Operating Base Sharnana, Afghanistan, from hostile action.
Their Story
Michael Chance Murphrey was a 25-year-old from Snyder, Texas. He served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army, assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, based at Fort Richardson, Alaska.
On September 6, 2009, Murphrey was killed by an improvised explosive device while on a dismounted patrol near Forward Operating Base Sharnana in Afghanistan's Paktika province. The attack occurred in the Ziruk District, a region near the Pakistani border.
Murphrey's death came during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan. By 2009, the conflict was in a period of intense fighting as international forces attempted to counter a resurgent Taliban and secure the country ahead of national elections.
Following his death, Murphrey's body was returned to the United States. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Meritorious Service Medal for his service and sacrifice.
He is remembered on memorials in Texas and Alaska, and his name is inscribed on Panel 18W, Line 102 of the Afghanistan War Memorial at the National Infantry Museum in Georgia.
Explore Further
Staff Sergeant Murphrey was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.
Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.
