Special Report: New England Heroes

Joe Flynn and Tim Murphy are a long way from home. Both majors in the army and serving as cancer and blood specialists here in Germany.

Major Tim Murphy, Burlington native
"Dr. Flynn and I are the only oncologists in Europe, North Africa and Western Asia"

It's a huge responsibility... covering the more than 500,000 Americans living there.

Major Tim Murphy, Burlington native
"That's his last game at Fenway Park - and I was actually at that game"

But looking at their offices, you'd never know they live in Germany. Pictures of Larry Bird, Carl Yastrzemski, and - of course - Fenway Park. What else would you expect from two local boys? Major Murphy is from Burlington. Major Flynn is from Scituate.

Major Joe Flynn, Scituate native
"I have family in Natick and Medfield."

But in Germany, the two treat injured soldiers right off the battlefield.

Major Tim Murphy, Burlington native
"It brings tears to my eyes a lot of times - because it's kids who are horribly wounded. All they really think about is their battle buddy or their unit - the marines they have spent so much time with."

In their free time, both men watch Red Sox and Patriots games, but in Germany those usually air between midnight and 5 a.m.

Major Tim Murphy, Burlington native
"I set my alarm for 2 a.m. every morning and watched every game. It made for long days"

Long, tough and emotionally draining days dealing with injured troops. But being from New England can sometimes help make that immediate connection with a sick soldier.

Major Tim Murphy, Burlington native
"With any of young patients that come in and don't pronounce their "r's", I say, are you from Boston?"

Accent aside, New England roots are very much apart of both men - roots they'll have long after their mission here is done.

Major Joe Flynn, Scituate native
"I'll look back down the road and think, ‘Wow, we were a small part of what went on at that time.’ It's pretty amazing."