Page 31 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2020- Online Magazine

ARMY
Vietnam. His second tour began on
November 2, 1970, this time with
the Americal Division.
He was involved in several counter
offensives against the Vietcong as
an Air Observer, Field Observer,
and Forward Observer. “A Huey
would pick up several troops; they
would hook up the 105mm cannon,
then a pallet of ammunition and
take us to our assault point in very
tall grass. For every combat assault,
you would earn one point. It took
25 points to get the Air Medal. I
wound up with 57 points.”
Murphy remembered another
encounter at one of the firebases.
“The Vietcong’s pattern was
always to hit you with mortars first
and then open up with the machine
gun and small arms. This time,
they hit us with machine guns first.
When they finally stopped firing,
we were standing around when
they hit us with mortars. I was
hit by shrapnel in my back and
was treated by a medic on the
spot.” Murphy left Vietnam for
the last time on November 2,
1971.
Back at Ft. Sill, in December
1971, Dick was assigned to
the 3rd Battalion, 38th Field
Artillery unit. He remained
there until January, 1974, when
he was sent to Herzo Base in
Herzogenaurach, Germany as a
first sergeant of an Honest John
Rocket Battery. In 1976, Dick
graduated from the Sergeant
Major Academy and attended the
University of Texas in El Paso. In
1977, Sergeant Major Murphy was
assigned by Ft. Riley, Kansas to the
Texas Tech ROTC
program in Lubbock.
He retired on July
7, 1978 after nearly
25 years of service
to his country. In
addition to the
Purple Heart, he
was awarded three
Bronze Stars, three
Meritorious Service
medals, two Air
Medals, three Army
VIETNAM
LUBBOCK
Commendation Medals, seven
Good Conduct Medals, two
National Defense Service Medals,
Expert Machine Gun, Rifle and
Pistol Badges, and many other
awards.
Dick has worked for D&L Masonry
for over 42 years and still works
for them today. Sadly, his beloved
Kay passed away in October 2016.
They were married 59 years. On
February 17, 2018, Dick married
long-time friend, Ilona Downey.
He has one granddaughter and
four great grandchildren.
The compassionate Mr. Murphy
has long had a soft spot for those
down on their luck and has
given to numerous individuals
and charities. When asked what
he would like to be
remembered for,
Murphy turned silent
for a few moments
and said, “That I
loved helping others
and have a special
love for children and
animals.” Retired
Command Sergeant
and octegenarian Dick
Murphy continues to
serve.
Senior Link 31