Honor veterans like Sgt. Murray

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To the editor,

The Memorial Grove has been restored, and now there is a place to honor and recognize the service of our Bronx veterans from all combat engagements. We can also honor their service by remembering and sharing their story, by the example of Robert C. Murry.

Robert Charles Murray was born in the Bronx on Dec. 10, 1946 and spent his young years on Marion Avenue. He attended his parish grammar school at Our Lady of Mercy Church and then entered Fordham Preparatory School in September 1960. Robert was a class officer all four years and graduated with honors in 1964. Robert Murray stayed on at Rose Hill, graduating Fordham University in 1968. 

Murray was accepted by Harvard Business School, to begin work on his MBA. When he received his draft notice, Murray could have applied to Officer Candidate School and pursued a non-combat commission. Instead, he chose to join as an enlisted soldier and by June 1970 he was a staff sergeant serving in Vietnam.

Robert C. Murray, 23, would prove himself a “man for others” by laying down his life for his fellow soldiers.  In August 1974, Vice President Gerald R. Ford would present the Medal of Honor to Staff Sgt. Robert C. Murray’s family at Blair House, in Washington, DC.     

Robert C. Murray served in the United States Army during the war in Vietnam as a staff sergeant in Company B, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade, 23rd Infantry Division. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery near the village of Hiep Duc on June 7, 1970.      

His citation reads: “Staff Sergeant Murray distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader with Company B. S/Sgt. Murray’s squad, near the village of Hiep Duc, was searching for an enemy mortar that had been threatening friendly positions when a member of the squad tripped an enemy grenade rigged as a booby trap. Realizing that he had activated the enemy booby trap, the soldier shouted for everybody to take cover. Instantly assessing the danger to the men of his squad, S/Sgt. Murray unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own safety threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the full and fatal impact of the explosion.

“By his gallant action and self-sacrifice, he prevented the death or injury of the other members of his squad. S/Sgt. Murray’s extraordinary courage and gallantry, at the cost of his life above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army”.

Thomas X. Casey

Secretary,
Kingsbridge Historical Society

Memorial Grove, Thomas X. Casey, Kingsbridge Historical Society

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