Vincent R. Murphy, Vice Admiral, USN (Ret.), a 1917 Naval Academy graduate was a veteran of both World Wars.  He retired in 1946 while serving as director of naval history.

Graduating from the Academy after only three years because of the speeded up World War I program, he reported aboard the USS MONTANA for duty with the North Atlantic convoys.

Between the wars, he spent time in the submarine service commanding three different vessels, but later returned to top side duty as navigator aboard the Battleship TEXAS.

He was serving on the staff of the commander-in-chief of the Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 when he relayed the message, "Japanese air attack on Pearl Harbor, this is no drill."

Admiral Murphy rose to assistant Chief of Naval Operations for logistic plans.  After his retirement in 1946, he later became executive vice president of the Navy Relief Society.  He retired the second time in 1962 after six years of service.

He held decorations including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and the Navy and Marine Corps Medal.

Text for the citation for the Legion of Merit reads as follows:

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as War Plans Officer on the staff of the Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet, from April 1 to July 2, 1942.  A capable and forceful leader, Rear Admiral (then Captain) Murphy consistently exercised sound judgment and brilliant initiative in the efficient performance of his important duties and, by his exceptional resourcefulness and steadfast devotion to duty throughout this vital period, contributed materially to the successful prosecution of the war in a highly strategic area."

The citation accompanying the Bronze Star Medal is:

"For meritorious service as Commanding Officer of the USS ALABAMA in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Western Pacific area.   Particularly in vital Fleet raids against strongly held Japanese positions, Rear Admiral Murphy fought his ship skillfully and with brilliant seamanship under extremely hazardous conditions, inducting heavy losses on the enemy and aiding materially in holding damage to our forces to a minimum.  His aggressive leadership and expert technical control throughout these important missions were an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Admiral Vincent R. Murphy died at the Bethesda Naval Hospital, Bethesda, MD.   His obituary appeared in the New York Times on July 11, 1974.

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