This is Why He Deserved the Medal
Murphy went back to the abandoned and burning tank destroyer and began firing its machine gun at the Germans that were advancing toward him, managing to take out a squad crawling through a ditch towards him. For an hour, Murphy stood on top of the tank, killing and wounding at least 50 Germans. He sustained a leg injury, but only stopped when he ran out of ammunition. Murphy rejoined his men, ignoring his own wound. He insisted on staying with his men while his wounds were being treated.
Source: Flickr
During the first part of the Allied invasion of southern France, Murphy was given the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions on August 15, 1944. Near Ramatuelle, Murphy’s platoon was advancing through a vineyard when they were attacked by German soldiers.