UPDATE: Fallen Hero Returned Home To Eastern Carolina

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Posted: 8:06 PM Sep 16, 2008
Last Updated: 9:23 PM Sep 17, 2008
Reporter: Dave Jordan

22 comments

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The body of a Beaufort County soldier killed in Afghanistan has returned to Eastern Carolina.

Private First Class Michael Murdock, of Chocowinity, was killed on September 11th. He was 22.

The plane carrying his remains landed Wednesday morning at the Pitt-Greenville Airport. A moment of silence was held, and the casket was saluted.

The Patriot Guard Riders, a motorcycle group, led the hearse carrying the casket from Greenville to Hillside Funeral Home in Washington.

Visitation will be Friday, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Washington Assembly of God church.

Funeral services are set for 11:00 am Saturday. Burial will take place at Oakdale Cemetery Washington.

Murdock was sent to Afghanistan on June 30th for his first deployment.

The Washington High School graduate joined the Army in June of 2006. Murdock was based at Fort Hood, Texas.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Tracey Location: Greenville on Sep 18, 2008 at 08:15 PM
My thoughts and prayers our with is family.I pray that they maybe able to find comfort and peace.

Posted by: Wanda Miller Location: Kenansville, NC on Sep 18, 2008 at 10:14 AM
To this hero's family, my heart and prayers are with during this difficult time. Psalm 91.

Posted by: J Location: Kinston on Sep 18, 2008 at 09:19 AM
Thank You for your sacrafice,and for my freedom!!!God bless

Posted by: Annie Nonomus Location: Greenville on Sep 18, 2008 at 08:42 AM
WITN: Were you invited to film the arrival at the airport? Another tv station says they were not.

Editor's Note: We have been in contact with family members since the day after this tragedy happened. In fact, it was Michael's mother who very courageously told us of his death last week. Dave Jordan talks about how Michael, a fallen hero, was honored yesterday at http://www.witn.com/blogs/newsblog/28581449.html

Posted by: Pfc from Beaufort County Location: Maryland on Sep 18, 2008 at 07:53 AM
I am truely saddened to learn of the loss of a brother, and one from my home area, as well. Thank you for your sacarfice, Pfc Murdock. What an awful tragedy to be taken so soon. To the family and loved ones, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry for your loss.

Posted by: Christopher T. Wells Location: Greenville on Sep 17, 2008 at 11:56 PM
Thank You PFC Michael Murdock for your sacrifice to our country. You will never be forgotten for your "BRAVERY AND COURAGE"

Posted by: Darrell & Janet Location: Greenville on Sep 17, 2008 at 06:13 PM
You will all be in our prayers, that God will comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead. We are so sorry for your great loss. We remember Michael as a little boy and know that he must have grown into a fine young man who was so willing to serve his country. Thank you Michael.

Posted by: Obama 08 4 Prez! on Sep 17, 2008 at 04:14 PM
I stand and say this loudly so that the entire nation can hear me, 3rd world countries can feel me, and to all that don't know me.......I am proud to be an AMERICAN! Thank You Private First Class Michael Murdock. hooOORRAAA

Posted by: Deana Location: Chocowinity on Sep 17, 2008 at 03:04 PM
You were a great friend and we all had a great deal of fun growing up with you. You will surely be missed more than you can imagine. Thank you for being a friend, Soldier and most of all an American Hero! God Bless you Mrs. Jennifer and Mr. Murdock your families will be in my heart and prayers forever and thank you both for giving us such great memories with such a wonderful little man.

Posted by: Sheri Location: Jamesville on Sep 17, 2008 at 01:41 PM
To the family of this special young man, I pray the Lord will wrap you up during this time. I cannot even imagine what you are going through. Thank you for the support you showed your son as he served our country. May God comfort you and strengthen you during this time!

Posted by: THANK YOU!!! Location: Kinston, NC on Sep 17, 2008 at 01:35 PM
I never knew this young soilder, but his sacrifice is not in vein. Thanks to his ultimate sacrifice, my two young daughters will live in freedom that he helped secure. All Americans will live that same freedom that he so honorably defended. This young soilder accomplished more in his life than, most 70 to 80 yr olds could could have dreamed of. Thank you again young soilder, and to your family, may you all seek and find God in this time for there you will also find your young soilder. Today i will walk as a proud American and enjoy my freedom, and dedicate it to this young soilder.

Posted by: mitchell on Sep 17, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Thank you for your sevice and our freedom.

Posted by: Dwayne Location: Greenville on Sep 17, 2008 at 01:07 PM
It is written: There is no greater gift than that a man will give his life for another. Thank you for our liberty.

Posted by: JC Location: Winterville on Sep 17, 2008 at 12:37 PM
God bless this American Hero who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country and others.

Posted by: Charity Location: washington on Sep 17, 2008 at 11:42 AM
We love you Murdock!! I am so sorry about your Son, he is a Hero. Love you Goat head!!

Posted by: T Location: Washington on Sep 17, 2008 at 11:32 AM
His body just came by my job a few minutes ago. The ones of us who knew stopped what we were doing to give reverence to this young soldier who gave his life for us. God BLess and keep his family at this time.Thanks also to the PD represented in the motorcade as well as the retired military bikers. Support our Military. They support you.

Posted by: bj Location: Belhaven on Sep 17, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Do not need to know you personally,but just wanted to say thank you for protecting ourcountry, our people.

Posted by: WOLFGANG Location: CHOCOWINITY on Sep 17, 2008 at 09:19 AM
From an Old Army Vet. Let me tell you their is nobody who hates war more then the GI who has to fight it , and no Mother or Father ever get over the loss of a son from war. Their pride is in that their son laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of Freedom, and that gave his life for his great Country. I believe now PFC MURDOCK you are with your others Brothers of all the wars fought who have also shed the blood for this Country. I would like to Refer to KIng Henry V speech to his troops before the Battle of Agincourt 1415. " From this day to the ending of the world. But we in it shall be rememberd. We few, we happy few, we Band of Brothers. For he who sheds his blood with me. Shall be my Brother ". PFC MURDOCK you are now in the arms of your Brothers. Thank you for your service.

Posted by: Danny Location: Washington NC on Sep 17, 2008 at 08:10 AM
Murdock, I remember riding four wheelers with you buddy, always so much fun! May you rest in peace. Thank you for all you did.

Posted by: Crystal Location: Washington on Sep 17, 2008 at 06:04 AM
Thank you PFC Murdock. You are the ultimate hero, you achieved at what many never will at such a young age, your mother should be proud to have raised such a great young man! Thank you for your sacrifice.

Posted by: Ashley Location: Washington on Sep 16, 2008 at 10:07 PM
I graduated with michael and I see that the funeral services are set for saturday but will there be a Visitation friday night? anyone know please let me know. Thanks

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Chowan County on Sep 16, 2008 at 10:01 PM
I too pray God will comfort the family, friends and his Army family. I thank him for serving! My son serves our country too. They are a special group. Strong, faithful and unselfish.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Beaufort Co on Sep 16, 2008 at 08:56 PM
May God Comfort this Family. He is a Hero for sure. He died so that we may all have freedom. Freedom is NOT free and he has paid the ultimate price for us all. Honor him and go and vote, he has died to give you that freedom.

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