Lesson
An Act of Supreme Valor: Michael Murphy and Self-Sacrifice
In this lesson, students will learn about Michael Murphy and his unselfish actions while on Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan. They will explore how his actions helped his team and how they can use his example to act selflessly in their own lives.
Founding Principles
Guiding questions
Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.
- What challenges are you facing?
- What fears or concerns might you have?
- What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?
Observation Questions
- What was Michael Murphy’s role in Operation Red Wings?
- Why was the risky mission undertaken by the SEAL team?
- How do Michael Murphy’s unselfish actions help shape his identity?
Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions with your students.
- What is the historical context of the narrative?
- What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
- How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the challenge?
- How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
- How might exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
- What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
- Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
- How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?
Learning objectives
- Students will analyze Michael Murphy’s actions while on Operation Red Wings
- Students will understand how acting selflessly can benefit those around them
- Students will understand how they can act more selflessly in their own lives.
Lesson Components
Standards
Advanced Placement
- Courage,
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