Vandalism shatters memorial for LI Medal of Honor recipient

<p>An act of vandalism has destroyed a plaque in a Lake Ronkonkoma park honoring Lt. Michael Murphy -- a Medal of Honor recipient from Patchogue who died in combat in Afghanistan in 2005. </p>

News 12 Staff

•

Jul 20, 2018, 2:04 AM

•

Updated 2,137 days ago

Share:

An act of vandalism has destroyed a plaque in a Lake Ronkonkoma park honoring Lt. Michael Murphy -- a Medal of Honor recipient from Patchogue who died in combat in Afghanistan in 2005.

The dedication plaque at Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Park was shattered into pieces. At one point in his life, Murphy had also served as a lifeguard on Lake Ronkonkoma, according to residents.

"I was heartbroken," says Legislator Tom Muratore. "Why would somebody want to do something like that?"

Residents say the crime sparked outrage in their community.

"I really could not believe that somebody would do something that disrespectful to a fallen hero," says Evelyn Vollgraff of Holbrook.

After parkgoers discovered the damage, dozens of people gathered alongside the lake, including a group of local veterans.

George Stondell, the commander of AMVETS Department of New York, says Murphy was "a local hero" who had received a Purple Heart in addition to his Medal of Honor.

"There's no words to express the outrage that veterans feel about desecrating a veteran's monument," he says.

Police are asking anyone with information on the vandalism to contact them.

More from News 12

0:19

Vandalism shatters memorial for LI Medal of Honor recipient

<p>An act of vandalism has destroyed a plaque in a Lake Ronkonkoma park honoring Lt. Michael Murphy -- a Medal of Honor recipient from Patchogue who died in combat in Afghanistan in 2005.&nbsp;</p>

More from News 12

Officials: 12-year-old from Fort Lee dies

STORM WATCH: Mix of sun and clouds Sunday in New Jersey; rain and thunder on Memorial Day

Police: 26-year-old motorcyclist killed in Englewood crash

More than the Shore: New Jersey celebrates Memorial Day weekend in Hoboken

Guide: 2024 Memorial Day Parades in New Jersey

Beachgoers pack the Jersey Shore to mark unofficial start of summer

Thousands participate in 46th annual Spring Lake 5-mile run

Dolphin stuck in NJ creek dies after ‘last resort’ rescue attempt, officials say

Blood test that detects colon cancer close to receiving FDA approval

'This is unbelievable traffic.’ Memorial Day travelers share road trip blues

Prosecutor: Man accused of killing man in Roselle park turns himself in

Police: 1 person injured in explosion at Sayreville power station; hundreds without power

Newark man convicted of robbing poker player in Atlantic City

Fire at commercial building in Secaucus sends plumes of smoke into the air

Jersey Proud: Ashley Lauren Foundation helps provide pool to boy with brain cancer

Gov. Murphy announces $100M Boardwalk Preservation Fund for the Jersey Shore

Jersey Shore business owners hope for successful Memorial Day, despite Route 71 bridge repairs

‘It was like a nightmare. Very scary.’ Thursday’s severe storm creates chaos for West Milford residents

EXCLUSIVE: Donald Trump one-on-one interview with News 12

2.9 magnitude aftershock hits Tewksbury, USGS says; 177th aftershock since April earthquake

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices

<p>An act of vandalism has destroyed a plaque in a Lake Ronkonkoma park honoring Lt. Michael Murphy -- a Medal of Honor recipient from Patchogue who died in combat in Afghanistan in 2005. </p>