Every so often, there are times when a writer/director/producer can’t help but make something incredible. Everything they touch pretty much turns out great. Right now, Joss Whedon is one of those persons. Whedon got his first break when his screenplay for Buffy The Vampire Slayer was turned into a movie. However, the film wasn’t exactly what Whedon had in mind as the studio turned it far more into a broad comedy than the subversive twist on the horror movie concept Whedon intended. Not fully dismayed by the results, Whedon has gone on to a career full of critically acclaimed work that never rose above cult status before recently really breaking into the mainstream.
In June of 2005, Lieutenant Michael Murphy led a four-man Seal team on a search for a Taliban leader in Afghanistan’s Kunar Province. Shortly into their mission, they were spotted by Taliban forces and a firefight broke out. Vastly outnumbered, around 50-100 Taliban to the 4 Navy Seals, Murphy and his team became pinned down in a steep ravine. Unable to get a radio signal from their position, Murphy left his cover and exposed himself in order to find a signal to call for help. While making the call, Murphy was shot several times but still managed to give support their position before picking up his rifle and re-joining the fight. Sadly, Murphy did not survive his wounds but thanks to his bravery, one member of his team did. Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, Silver Star, Purple Heart and in 2012, a US Navy Destroyer was named in his honor.
Everyone have a safe Memorial Day. And to all the men and women serving, thank you.
