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<p>Colonel <em>Lawrence Joseph Murphy</em> (Retired), a decorated veteran of the United States Air Force, went to heaven on February 18, 2024. Known for his youthful spirit and handsome features, many doubted his claim to be 89 years old. In fact, after being admitted to the hospital for aortic repair surgery, Larry exclaimed, “This entire facility needs to become accustomed to the fact that I am renowned as the youngest 89-year-old man!”</p>
<p>Larry was born on September 9, 1934 in Antigo, WI to Harriet and Royden Murphy. His military career began as a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY in 1953. Upon graduating in 1957, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, earning the coveted USAF pilot wings after training in propeller and jet aircraft. His initial training on the F-86 Sabrejet fighter at Williams Air Force Base, AZ marked the beginning of a distinguished career in aviation. </p>
<p>While stationed in Arizona, Larry met and married the love of his life, Molly, in 1959. They were blessed with two children, Kelly and Patrick.</p>
<p>A flight instructor assignment followed, four years at Vance AFB, OK teaching USAF and foreign students. In 1963, he returned to combat crew training, flying the F-100 Super Sabre fighter at Luke AFB, AZ.</p>
<p>Larry and Molly’s life of travel and adventure together included a significant posting at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom in 1964. Larry flew training missions across Western Europe and North Africa. His primary mission was to drop a nuclear bomb should the Soviet Union start World War III.</p>
<p>In 1967, Larry volunteered for combat duty in Vietnam, where he flew 306 combat missions during his 320-day deployment. His bravery and skill in the F-100 cockpit earned him two Distinguished Flying Crosses, one of which was personally awarded by General Benjamin Davis. One citation reads as follows: “Captain Lawrence J. Murphy distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 tactical fighter pilot near Binh Thuy, Republic of Vietnam on November 4, 1967. On that date Captain Murphy came to the aid of friendly units who were heavily engaged with a large hostile force while trying to evacuate a group of friendly dead and wounded. The singularly brilliant ordinance deliveries in close proximity to friendly units while under heavy automatic weapons fire were directly responsible for the relief of the friendly troops and the evacuation of their dead and wounded. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Murphy reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.”</p>
<p>Following combat service, Larry continued to contribute to the USAF in various capacities, including as a flight instructor at Laredo AFB, TX in 1968, and later in strategic roles at the Pentagon, where he was involved in the acquisition of aircraft flight simulators. While at the Pentagon, Larry obtained a master’s degree in research and development management from George Washington University. </p>
<p>At Tactical Air Command at Langley, AFB, VA, Lieutenant Colonel Murphy was selected as one of 12 Air Force officers designated USAF advance agents for presidential travel. They were “on call” to plan and conduct ground support for Air Force One and all other USAF aircraft associated with President Gerald Ford’s travel. Larry made numerous stateside and overseas trips during 1975 and 1976, including to Bulgaria, Austria, France, Spain, and Italy.</p>
<p>Larry was promoted to colonel in 1978 while stationed at USAF Operational Test and Evaluation Center at Kirtland AFB, NM. He completed his military career as the deputy chief of staff for aircrew simulators at the USAF Tactical Air Warfare Center at Eglin AFB, FL. Larry retired in 1986 after 33 years of service and accumulating 4,500 flying hours in eight military aircraft, including 455 hours of combat flying time in the Vietnam War.</p>
<p>After retirement, Larry and Molly lived in Destin, FL, later building a home Larry designed on the Choctawhatchee Bay. They eventually moved to Eatonton, GA, where they built a home on Lake Oconee and enjoyed a peaceful life filled with boating, golfing, art collecting, and spending time with their many friends. They later relocated to Henderson, NV to be closer to their son, Patrick, and granddaughter, Carson. Following Molly’s passing in 2018, Larry returned to Niceville, FL, where he lived near his daughter, Kelly.</p>
<p>Larry’s legacy is one of dedication to his country, love for his family, and a zest for life. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years, Molly Murphy, and is survived by his daughter, Kelly Murphy-Redd; his son, Patrick Murphy; his granddaughter, Carson Murphy; his son-in-law, Stuart Redd; his daughter-in-law, Tracy Murphy; and numerous nieces and nephews.</p>
<p>Larry’s military decorations include the Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Air Medal with 14 oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Combat Readiness Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.</p>
<p>Colonel Lawrence J. Murphy’s (Retired) life was one of service, bravery, and love, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.</p>
<p><em>— Kelly Murphy-Redd, Lawrence Murphy and Patrick Murphy</em></p>
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