Audie Murphy being awarded for his heroism

Audie Murphy is one of the most famous soldiers of American history due to his amazing skill and courage that earned him more honors in WWII than any other soldier; his accomplishments include the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, and three Purple Hearts. All in all, he earned nearly forty decorations and medals for his service.

Murphy was born on 20 June 1924 to a poor farming family in Kingston, Texas. His father abandoned them when he was in elementary school, so Murphy dropped out to help earn money for his family. Murphy’s mother died when he was 16, leaving behind ten children. It was at this trying time that Murphy wanted to join the military. After lying about his age and enrolling his younger siblings in an orphanage, Murphy tried to enlist in the Marines, then the Army paratroopers, and then the Navy. He was rejected by all three for being too small but was finally accepted by the Army.

Murphy wasn’t an immediate star in basic training though. He passed out during a drill and was almost sent to be a cook, but Murphy fought against the recommendation and went on to become a combat soldier. Each mission provided Murphy a chance to prove himself, which he did continually. One of his most known contributions, however, was the deed performed that earned him the Medal of Honor.

On 26 January 1945, Murphy and his company were located near Holtzwihr, France where they were being heavily attacked by the Germans. Murphy ordered his men to retreat into the “woods, while he remained forward at his command post and continued to give fire directions to the artillery by telephone.” After successfully guiding artillery fire, Murphy climbed upon a U.S. tank that had recently been hit and abandoned. At the danger of the tank exploding at any moment, Murphy used the machine gun aboard the tank and held his company’s position for more than an hour. “He received a leg wound, but ignored it and continued his single-handed fight until his ammunition was exhausted. He then made his way back to his company, refused medical attention, and organized the company in a counterattack, which forced the Germans to withdraw.” (Read the full Medal of Honor citation here.) When Murphy was asked what compelled him to commit such a dangerous act, he replied, “They were killing my friends.”

Murphy in uniform with his many medals

When Murphy returned from the war in 1945, he reclaimed his orphaned siblings. He also headed out to Hollywood by invitation from famous actor James Cagney. Murphy’s cover photo on Life magazine was quite a seller, and Cagney thought he could be great on the big screen. Murphy did do well, but not at first. He struggled for a few years to get attention, and his finances dwindled. But westerns and other films such as The Kid from Texas, The Red Badge of Courage, and To Hell and Back, kept him afloat and launched him to fame. To Hell and Back was based on Murphy’s autobiography and was very popular when released. Murphy was hesitant to play himself in the role, feeling that it would seem that he wanted to make money off his experience and dead comrades.

Murphy was able to keep a calm and collected appearance after the war, but like many other returned soldiers, he deeply suffered from PTSD.

Record of Audie Murhpy’s post-war life

Murphy spoke out about his mental condition, something not many did at the time. He did what he could to make others aware of it, particularly the government, which could offer assistance to veterans. In talking about the war,Murphy said, “The combat soldier always paid the price one way or another, either on the battlefield or later.” Murphy may have been one to live, but that didn’t mean he was free of suffering.

Murphy died in a private plane crash in 1971 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. He was survived by his second wife, Pamela, and their two sons.

Read more about Audie Murphy here and find more documents regarding him and his comrades in the war in Fold3’s 63rd Infantry Division Records.