Samuel J. Murray (soldier)

Samuel John Murray (December 7, 1918 – April 28, 2004) was a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, who earned the Distinguished Service Cross[1] for his leadership on the front lines at the Battle of the Bulge. Wounded by enemy fire and a bursting shell, Murray continued to direct his men, through freezing conditions, battling hunger and exhaustion. Their efforts were said to have contributed to the victory of the Allied forces.

He later graduated from Columbia University Law School[2] and interrupted a career with the Davis Polk law firm to become an investigator of the conditions of dock workers through the New York State Crime Commission, Waterfront Investigation,[3] an issue made popular by the 1955 Academy Award winning film, On the Waterfront with Marlon Brando.

Early life and military career

Samuel John Murray was born December 7, 1918 in Cincinnati, OH to William J. Murray and Anna Ahearn. He had one younger brother, John A. Murray (May 5, 1923 - March 5, 2009). He grew up in New Rochelle, NY, while his father was a member of the New York State Senate (14th D.) from 1937 to 1944. He was named for his grandfather in Cincinnati, Samuel J. Murray, a wealthy innovator, who made his fortune in printing playing cards with the United States Playing Card Company.

Murray graduated in 1941 from Georgetown University, where he was President of the Debating Society.[4] A year later, he enlisted in the Army and served until 1947 in the 2nd Infantry Division in France and Belgium during World War II. His service in the Battle of the Bulge was detailed in the book Combat History of the 2nd Infantry Division in World War II.[1]

Murray’s citation for the Distinguished Service Cross read, "Although observed by the tank gunners and brought under the full force of the tank fire, he courageously advanced toward the tank until he was struck by enemy fire and severely wounded. Carried to his foxhole, he was again wounded by a bursting shell, but with great determination, he retained his consciousness and directed his men in repelling the hostile attack.”[1]

Law Career and Public Service

Murray was an associate at the law firm of Davis Polk & Wardwell until 1955. After that, he was a partner at the law firm of Forsyth Decker Murray & Hubbard in New York until 1979 and at the law firm of Murray and Rossmoore in Greenwich, CT, before he retired in 1983. His public service included serving as a member of Greenwich's Representative Town Meeting from 1968-1978 and the Board of Estimate and Taxation from 1978-1988.[5][6]

He moved to Florida in 1991 and he passed away at his home in Winter Park on April 28, 2004.[5]

Marriage and family

After World War II, Murray married Evelyn Hardart. They had six children: Margo Murray, Samuel J. Murray Jr., Frank H. Murray, Stephen C. Murray, Marcia Murray and Evelyn Murray McGowan.[5]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Combat History of the Second Infantry Division in World War II.
  2. ↑ "Text of Fackenthal Letter".
  3. ↑ "Georgetown University Alumni Magazine, 1953, Vol. 6, Number 2" (PDF). 1953.
  4. ↑ "Domesday Booke 1789-1939 / Georgetown University Yearbook 1939" (PDF). Georgetown University. 1939.
  5. 1 2 3 "Deaths Samuel J. Murray".
  6. ↑ "MINUTES of the regular meeting of the Board of Estimate and Taxation" (PDF). Town of Greenwich. Town of Greenwich. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
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