The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon a member serving in the Armed Services of the United States.

In a White House ceremony early today President George W. Bush posthumously awarded that honor to the family of Navy Lt. Michael P. Murphy. Like all of the recipients of the Medal of Honor who proceeded him, Lt. Murphy's story is a seemingly familiar one; an average guy thrust into an extraordinary situation who disregards his personal safety and rises to feats of heroism.

When you read the stories of these amazing American you get the sense that most would be embarrassed to be labeled heroes; they were merely reacting the way they had been trained and that their buddies would have done the exact same thing under the circumstance.

It is for that reason that the Medal of Honor has risen to the level of reverence it rightfully deserves. There is a specific detailing of the stories and events that led to it being bestowed upon the recipient. The circumstances vary greatly, but the common thread is that of a warrior rising above and beyond the simple call of duty. While the World War Two era soldiers were dubbed The Greatest Generation and a reading of the medal of honor citations reveals that every era has their own greats.

Lt. Murphy's citation reads as follows:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as the leader of a special reconnaissance element with Naval Special Warfare Task Unit Afghanistan on 27 and 28 June 2005. While leading a mission to locate a high-level anti-coalition militia leader, Lieutenant Murphy demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger in the vicinity of Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan. On 28 June 2005, operating in an extremely rugged enemy-controlled area, Lieutenant Murphy's team was discovered by anti-coalition militia sympathizers, who revealed their position to Taliban fighters. As a result, between 30 and 40 enemy fighters besieged his four-member team. Demonstrating exceptional resolve, Lieutenant Murphy valiantly led his men in engaging the large enemy force. The ensuing fierce firefight resulted in numerous enemy casualties, as well as the wounding of all four members of the team. Ignoring his own wounds and demonstrating exceptional composure, Lieutenant Murphy continued to lead and encourage his men. When the primary communicator fell mortally wounded, Lieutenant Murphy repeatedly attempted to call for assistance for his beleaguered teammates. Realizing the impossibility of communicating in the extreme terrain, and in the face of almost certain death, he fought his way into open terrain to gain a better position to transmit a call. This deliberate, heroic act deprived him of cover, exposing him to direct enemy fire. Finally achieving contact with his headquarters, Lieutenant Murphy maintained his exposed position while he provided his location and requested immediate support for his team. In his final act of bravery, he continued to engage the enemy until he was mortally wounded, gallantly giving his life for his country and for the cause of freedom. By his selfless leadership, courageous actions, and extraordinary devotion to duty, Lieutenant Murphy reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.