 Murphy was born in Staten Island, New York City, New York and attended La Salle Military Academy, Amherst College, and the United States Military Academy at West Point.He served in the U.S. Army from August 1944 to July 1956, first as an enlisted man before receiving his commission after four years at West Point.During his military service he received the Distinguished Service Cross and the Bronze Star, and was discharged as a captain.