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 2,114 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

2:19

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

Campus police on standby following pro-Palestinian protest arrests at Stony Brook University

Temps below average for the weekend with possible showers

Police: Farmingdale woman scammed Texas man out of $9,000 with fake lotto scheme

Man wanted for stealing package worth $6,000 from East Northport home

The Real Deal: Now may be the time for a job change

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

Residents organize rally to demand cleanup of Bethpage Community Park

Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

Students at Wyandanch HS take part in 'Shark Tank' competition

Top LI basketball players compete in annual Alzheimer's All-Star Classic

Long Island Game Farm responds to USDA report on Bobo the giraffe's cause of death

Police: Man stole over $1,200 worth of clothes from Ralph Lauren in Deer Park

9 Long Island health care providers earn highest safety rating on Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

Mets foundation partners with America's Vet Dogs to raise future service dog

Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

DEC: 2 additional 'anomalies' found under baseball field at Bethpage Community Park

'He didn't care about the consequences.’ Man pleads guilty to East Massapequa crash that killed 4

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

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>