Lone Survivor Sparknotes

Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of Seal Team 10 is an autobiography that exposes one of the most appalling yet valiant military missions, Operation Redwing. This infamous mission occurred following the delegation of four Navy SEALs to northern Afghanistan; their commission being to seize and kill a notorious al Qaeda leader. Disastrously, this operation ultimately did not go as planned leading to the deaths of three very heroic military leaders. However, Marcus Luttrell, also known as, "the Lone Survivor," was able to persevere through the unimaginable and live to relay a story of pure bravery, leadership and courage; one that is transcendent.
Lieutenant Michael Murphy, one of the four Navy SEALS who unfortunately perished that day, truly encompassed what it means to be a leader and hero. Lieutenant Murphy continually receives praise from Marcus Luttrell throughout the novel stating that he was, “better than anyone under fire, always thinking, fearless about issuing the one-option command even if it was nearly impossible. And the final, utterly heroic act. Not a gesture. An act of supreme valor,” (Luttrell 272). Lt. Murphy made the ultimate sacrifice by taking initiative and calling for back up when his team was out …show more content…
Lt. Murphy was the commanding officer of that SEAL team and had the authority to make the decision about the goatherds. Murphy’s decision would have been obeyed by the SEALs regardless of their own person opinion. However, Murphy put the decision up to a vote because he valued and respected his subordinate’s thoughts. Murphy’s vote was to release the goatherds since the majority (2 to 1) were in favor of discharging them. Lt. Murphy realized that this was going to be a group effort. Even if the decision had contradicted his own opinion, Murphy would have abided by it and lead