Marcus Muralles was born to Guatemalan immigrants on October 5, 1971, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He enlisted in the Delayed Entry Program of the U.S. Army on December 19, 1988, and went on active duty beginning August 22, 1989. Pvt Muralles completed basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington, in October 1989, and then was trained as a medical specialist at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, from October 1989 to January 1990. He then completed airborne training at Fort Benning, Georgia, in February 1990, followed by the Ranger Indoctrination Program at Fort Benning from February to March 1990. Sgt Muralles served as a medical specialist with Company C, 3rd Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning from April 1990 until he left active duty on August 21, 1993. During this time he completed Ranger School with Class 4-92 at Fort Benning in March 1992, and was awarded the British Parachutist Wings in December 1992. He reenlisted in the U.S. Army on August 4, 1998, and then completed the Individual Infantry Training Course and the Ranger Indoctrination Program at Fort Benning in March 1999. His next assignment was as a Ranger, medical administrator, platoon medic, and company senior medic with Company B, 3rd Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning from April 1999 to August 2003, and during this time he completed the Joint Trauma Training Course, was awarded the German Armed Forces Parachutist Badge in Bronze, completed the Jump Master Course, deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from October 2001 to January 2002, deployed to Afghanistan again from June to September 2002, and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from March to August 2003. SFC Muralles' next assignment was as an aerial flight medic with 3rd Battalion of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, from August 2003 until he was killed in action during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005. Marcus Muralles was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. After his death it was announced that he had been selected for the Interservice Physician Assistant Program.

His Bronze Star Medal Citation reads:

Period: 31 March 2005 to 28 June 2005

For exceptionally meritorious achievement as the senior flight medic assigned to a special operations aviation task force during Operation Enduring Freedom in the Central Command area of responsibility. During this period, Sergeant First Class Muralles' professionalism, diligence, and dedication set the standard for all task force personnel and his actions had significant tactical, operational and strategic impact. Through his distinctive accomplishments, Sergeant First Class Muralles reflected great credit upon himself, this command, and the United States Army.

His Air Medal w/Valor Citation reads:

Period: 28 June 2005

For exceptionally meritorious and valorous achievement during aerial flight as a special operations flight medic assigned to a joint task force in the Central Command area of responsibility during Operation Enduring Freedom. On this date, Sergeant First Class Muralles responded without hesitation to provide immediate assistance to American forces in extreme danger. His valorous actions and sacrifice under the most extreme conditions have directly impacted American strategic objectives. Through his distinctive accomplishments, Sergeant First Class Muralles reflected great credit upon himself, this command, and the United States Army.