Michael Murtagh, known as Mick, was parachute jump-trained on Course 608 in 1964 at RAF Abingdon. He then became a member of 2 PARA, B Coy. In 1965, whilst serving in Borneo, Mick and 36 other members of this Coy, along with 'attached arms', fought off 400 elite Javanese Para-Commandos in the Battle of Plaman Mapu. Mick got wounded in the left arm with WO2 Williams in the General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) position. Mick was awarded an MiD. 

Shortly afterwards, Mick joined Patrol Coy in Radfan for the majority of their 12-month tour. He remained with this Coy for several years and rose to the rank of Sgt. The profile image shows Mick at a Plaman Mapu veteran's reunion in 2015. Photo taken by ex 2 PARA, Gil Boyd BEM. 

Mick sadly passed away after a short illness on 16 August 2025. He was a well-liked soldier and will be greatly missed by Caroline and his children, Neil and Joanne.