Obverse: Three men in a rowing-boat rescuing another from the water; a wreck in the distance (left). Legend: 'LIFE SAVING MEDAL OF THE FIRST CLASS. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. Reverse: Columbia, a wreath in her left hand, inscribing a tablet, surmounted by an eagle, wings outspread; a mast and anchor, etc., (right). Legend: 'IN TESTIMONY OF HEROIC DEEDS IN SAVING LIFE FROM THE PERILS OF THE SEA'. Exergue: 'ACT OF CONGRESS JUNE 20TH 1874'. Inscription on tablet: 'PHILIP MURPHY, WRECK OF SHIP ELLEN SOUTHARD. AUG.12.1875'.

The ‘Ellen Southard’ 1863 of Richmond, Maine, USA was inward bound from St John, New Brunswick laden with timber when she went aground at the entrance to the Mersey. The Liverpool Harbour Board tubular lifeboat and steam tug ‘Rattler’ went to her aid. The lifeboat succeeded in taking off all her crew but shortly afterwards was capsized by a heavy sea. The tug was unable to render assistance due to the shallow water. The New Brighton lifeboat which had also attended and was headed home, turned round and picked up eight seamen from the American ship and twelve lifeboatmen. The master and his wife, the pilot and six crew members were drowned with three of the lifeboatmen.

The crews of both lifeboats were the first non-US citizens to be awarded the Congressional Medal.

Philip Murphy was a crew menber of the Liverpool Harbour Board tubular lifeboat, awarded the USA Congressional Medal for the rescue of the crew of the 'Ellen Southard' in 1875. A Philip Murphy is listed in the 1891 census, born 1836 in Liverpool, occupation listed as boatman. In Kirkdale Workhouse (formerly the North End Sailors Home) in the 1901 census, occupation listed as 'sailor'.