Edward Renz Murphy Jr.

A third generation Northern Californian, Eddie left Dows Prairie and Humboldt County to finish high school in St. Louis, Missouri. After graduating from Principia College in Elsah, Illinois in 1960, he accepted a commission in the US Navy. His service included: the USS Guadalupe (AO-32); the US Naval Base Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines; the USS Twining (DD-540); the US Naval Destroyer School Newport, RI as a student; the USS Robison (DDG-12); the US Naval Facility at Centerville Beach, CA; and as the Executive Officer of the USS Pueblo (AGER-2) which was hi-jacked in international waters by the North Koreans on Jan 23, 1968.

Awards Eddie received include: Navy and Marine Corp Medal; Purple Heart with 1 star; Navy Commendation Medal with bronze V; POW Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with 1 star; Vietnam Service Medal with 1 star; Korea Defense Service Medal; and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/1960’s Device.

In 1969, after nine years in the US Navy, Lt. Edward R Murphy, Jr., USN, resigned his commission and authored his book Second in Command: The Uncensored Account of the Capture of the Spy Ship Pueblo (1971). While pursuing his career as an author and lecturer, he also owned and operated Coach ‘N Camper, an El Cajon, California RV dealership for 26 years. He was also an agent for Foremost Insurance Company specializing in RVs and mobile homes.

Beginning another chapter of his life, Eddie drove transit and charter buses for various San Diego area companies. He loved driving, but his Prisoner of War experience in North Korea was finally catching up with him. While volunteering as a driver for the Disabled American Veterans Transportation System, the North Korean torture sessions began to resurface forcing him to resign.

He and Carol, his wife for over 61 years, enjoyed traveling, especially cruising. His travels took them to all seven continents. In 2018 to celebrate the 50 year anniversary of his release, Eddie returned to Korea and by special accommodation was able to visit the “Bridge of No Return”. Eddie was the last Pueblo crew member to cross this bridge to freedom. Since 1968 no other human has crossed this bridge.

Eddie’s community activities included: Past President of the San Diego Chapter of the Trailer Coach Association; Past Treasurer California RV Dealers Association; Past President of the Mother Goose Parade Association (of El Cajon, CA); Past President El Cajon Business Association; Past President and Distinguished Director of the Boys Club of El Cajon; Past Distinguished President of the Sunrise Optimist Club of San Diego; Past Lt Governor and Past Distinguished Governor of the California South District of Optimist International; Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of East (San Diego) County Foundation; life member of Optimist International: Optimist Club of Issaquah WA and Optimist Junior International Curling Club, British Columbia; Optimist International Foundation: Christian D. Larson Partner and member of the William H. Harrison Society; OI Certified New Club Builder and International Field Representative; Life member Tin Can Sailors Association; member of the USS Pueblo Veterans Association; Life Member American Ex-Prisoners Of War Association, San Diego Chapter; Life Member of Disabled American Veterans San Diego Chapter 2; Life Member Veterans of Foreign Wars Sable Post 2275; member AMVETS Post 17 El Cajon; and Paid-Up-For-Life member of the American Legion Post 303 of El Cajon, CA.

Eddie passed away at sea near the end of his final cruise. He is survived by his wife, Carol, their two children Edward III (Lisa) and Victoria, and their granddaughter Kathryn, as well as 10 nieces and nephews, and dozens of grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. He will be missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Ed's Life will be held Saturday, May 30th, 2026 from noon to 4pm at VFW Post 2082 located at 2885 Lemon Grove Avenue, Lemon Grove CA 91945. (RSVP requested)

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Boy’s and Girl’s Club of East County - https://bgcec.org/donations/