Dave Murphy

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Awarded the Navy Cross and Purple Heart medals for the attempted rescue of Lt Deane Woods, USN - 12-14 October 1966

1966 Cruisebook photo

Dave Murphy looks like an airline pilot in this picture taken during the 1966 cruise

Dave Murphy, George Armstrong and Ed Marsyla on SAR stand-by aboard the USS Constellation (CVA-64) as part of SAR Det C

Dave and Ed Marsyla after Indian Gal 69 was shot down on 16 October 1966 - Ed still showing affects of his wounds

Ed Marsyla, Dave, Steve Caple and Vic Vicari in either Danang or Chu Lai after the being shot down. They were then flown by COD to Cubi Point and eventually to R&R at Camp John Hay in Baguio City, P.I.
       
 

SAR Det C pilots reunited on the USS Intrepid (CVA-11)  after the loss of Indian Gal 69 on a Shining Brass mission deep in NVN - L to R; Back Row: Ross Mordhorst, Buck Carlton, Vern Von Sydow, Bob Burnand, Doug Heggie, Vann Goodloe, Bill Roy, Ed Marsyla - Front Row: Tom May, Leon Houglum, Bill Medley and Dave

  

Read rescue synopsis - Navy Cross Medal

Pictures of loss of Indian Gal 69

Read Dave's Navy Cross Citation

Ream Echo article about the Award Ceremony where Dave was presented his Navy Cross and Purple Heart - 7 April 1967

Dave has already been presented with his Navy Cross and Purple Heart as Ed Marsyla and "Vic" Vicari wait for their Silver Stars and Purple Hearts Dave in upper left of photo as Ed Marsyla is awarded his Purple Heart after having his Silver Star medal pinned on.
   
Read more about the efforts to rescue Deane Woods as described in "Leave No Man Behind - the Saga of Combat Search and Rescue" by George Galdorisi and Tom Phillips. This excerpt used with the gracious permission of the authors. The book can be ordered from Amazon.com and many other book sellers.
   
Read Steve Caple's recollection of the rescue attempt
   
Deane Woods (right center) with other participants of the panel discussion "Valiant Rescue Attempt: North Vietnam" at the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation's 2009 Symposium.
 
bulletOrder a DVD of the 2009 Symposium panel discussion "Valiant Rescue Attempt: North Vietnam" by calling the Naval Aviation Museum store at 1-800 247 6289. Ask for Session II.

Updated: 04/02/11