Congressman Salazar Honors Medal of Honor Veteran

Raymond “Jerry” Murphy died in the city known as “The Home of Heroes”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. John Salazar (CO-3) today spoke on the House floor honoring decorated veteran Raymond “Jerry” Murphy, who died in Pueblo earlier this month at the age of 77.

Murphy was one of four Medal of Honor recipients who lived in Pueblo. The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest award a soldier can receive for heroism in combat.

In 1993, Congress recognized the recipients living in Pueblo and proclaimed the city to be America’s “Home of Heroes.”  Of the four, there is only one surviving Medal of Honor recipient.

Below is the text of Rep. Salazar’s remarks, as prepared for delivery:

“Madame Speaker, I stand today to honor the life of a great American.

“Capt. Raymond Gerald Murphy was born on January 14, 1930, in Pueblo, Colorado.  He graduated from Pueblo Catholic High School and attended Fort Lewis Junior College in Durango and then Adams State College in Alamosa.

“After graduation, Jerry Murphy joined the Marine Corps Reserve and entered Officer Candidate School.  In 1952 he was sent to Korea where he served with the 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division.

“In February 1953, Raymond Gerald Murphy was cited for...

“Conspicuous Gallantry at the risk of his life and above and beyond the call of duty as a Platoon Commander.

“Although painfully wounded by fragments from an enemy mortar shell, Murphy steadfastly refused medical aid and continued to lead his men up a hill through a withering barrage of hostile mortar and small-arms fire.

“Wounded a second time, he again refused assistance until assured that every one of his men, including all casualties, had preceded him to the main lines.

“His resolute and inspiring leadership, exceptional fortitude and great personal valor reflect the highest credit upon Capt. Murphy and enhance the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

“Raymond Gerald Murphy was the 39th United States Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor for Heroism in the Korean War.

“In addition to the Medal of Honor, Capt. Murphy was awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars, the United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

“On Good Friday, Capt. Raymond Jerry Murphy died in the Veterans Administration Nursing home in Pueblo at age 77, but his spirit and heroism will live forever.”