World War II: Audie Murphy displays valor and bravery in action for which he will later be awarded the Medal of Honor.

Audie Murphy: America's Most Decorated World War II Hero and Post-War Icon

Audie Leon Murphy, born on June 20, 1925, and passing on May 28, 1971, remains an unparalleled figure in American history, celebrated for his extraordinary valor as a soldier, followed by a diverse career as an actor, songwriter, and rancher. He stands as the most decorated American combat soldier of World War II, having earned every single military combat award for valor available from the U.S. Army, a feat that included the highest honor, the Medal of Honor, alongside numerous distinguished French and Belgian decorations for heroism.

His impressive collection of U.S. Army awards included the Distinguished Service Cross (twice), the Silver Star (twice), the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with "V" device (for valor), and the Purple Heart (three times), reflecting the intensity and frequency of his combat engagements. Among his foreign commendations were the French Legion of Honor (Chevalier), the French Croix de Guerre with Palm, the French Croix de Guerre with Silver Star, the French Croix de Guerre with Vermeil Star, the Belgian Croix de Guerre 1940 Palm, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

The Heroic Stand at the Colmar Pocket

Murphy's Medal of Honor was awarded for an incredible act of bravery demonstrated at the tender age of 19. In January 1945, during the intense fighting at the Colmar Pocket in France, his company was under severe assault from a German infantry company supported by six tanks. When his unit was forced to withdraw, Murphy, despite being wounded in the leg, ordered his men to fall back while he remained alone, providing covering fire. He mounted a burning M10 tank destroyer, which was fully exposed to the enemy, and used its .50 caliber machine gun to single-handedly hold off the German advance for approximately an hour. He repelled wave after wave of enemy soldiers, inflicting heavy casualties and forcing the German attack to falter. Even as the tank destroyer threatened to explode and his ammunition dwindled, Murphy continued to fight until the Germans retreated. He then led his wounded and exhausted men in a successful counterattack, driving the enemy completely from the area. This astonishing display of courage, leadership, and disregard for personal safety epitomized his dedication to his comrades and mission.

Early Life and Path to War

Born into a large, impoverished family of sharecroppers in Hunt County, Texas, Murphy faced profound hardship from a young age. His father abandoned the family, and his mother tragically passed away in 1941 when he was just 16. With only a fifth-grade education, Murphy left school to work picking cotton and taking on other manual labor jobs to support his younger siblings. His innate skill with a hunting rifle, honed during these tough years, proved crucial in providing food for his family, unknowingly preparing him for the challenges he would soon face in combat.

Following the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the eager-to-serve Murphy, still underage, was aided by his older sister, who falsified documents to meet the military's minimum age requirement of 18. Despite his determination, he was initially turned down by the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps for being underweight and undersized. Undeterred, he eventually managed to enlist in the U.S. Army in June 1942. His combat journey began with the 1943 Allied invasion of Sicily (Operation Husky), followed by intense engagements in 1944, including the grueling Battle of Anzio in Italy, the liberation of Rome, and the significant Allied invasion of southern France (Operation Dragoon). He distinguished himself in various battles, notably at Montélimar, and skillfully led his men in a successful assault at L'Omet quarry near Cleurie in north-eastern France in October 1944, consistently demonstrating exceptional bravery and tactical prowess.

Post-War Life and Diversified Career

After the war, Audie Murphy transitioned from the battlefield to Hollywood, embarking on a 21-year acting career. He notably portrayed himself in the critically acclaimed and highly successful 1955 autobiographical film, "To Hell and Back," based on his 1949 memoirs of the same title. The film became Universal Pictures' highest-grossing film until "Jaws" in 1975, cementing his place in cinematic history. While "To Hell and Back" was a standout, most of his over 40 film roles were in popular Westerns, where his understated demeanor and authentic presence resonated with audiences. He also made numerous guest appearances on various celebrity television shows and starred in the Western series "Whispering Smith" for NBC.

Beyond acting, Murphy was a surprisingly accomplished songwriter, co-writing 17 songs. His most notable compositions included "Shutters and Boards," which became a hit for Jerry Wallace and was later recorded by Dean Martin, and "When the Wind Blows in Chicago," a success for Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. Furthermore, he pursued his passion for horses, breeding champion quarter horses in California and Arizona, and actively participating in horse racing, showcasing his diverse interests and talents.

Later Life, Challenges, and Enduring Legacy

Despite his fame and success, Murphy grappled with severe personal challenges. He suffered from what is now widely recognized as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition not formally understood or named during his era. His symptoms included chronic nightmares, insomnia, and hypervigilance, leading him to sleep with a loaded handgun under his pillow. He sought solace in addictive sleeping pills, a testament to the profound psychological toll of his combat experiences. Murphy bravely spoke out about his struggles, urging the U.S. government to provide greater care and attention to the mental health needs of returning veterans, making him an early advocate for addressing combat stress.

In his later years, Murphy was plagued by significant money problems, largely due to his generosity, poor business investments, and a tendency to trust the wrong people. Yet, even in financial distress, his integrity remained unwavering. He famously refused lucrative offers to appear in alcohol and cigarette commercials, stating he did not want to set a bad example for young people, particularly impressionable veterans. Audie Murphy's life came to an untimely end on May 28, 1971, less than a month before his 46th birthday, when he died in a private plane crash near Roanoke, Virginia, amidst adverse weather conditions. He was interred with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, where his grave consistently ranks as one of the most visited sites, a powerful testament to the enduring respect and admiration for his extraordinary life and sacrifice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Audie Murphy

What makes Audie Murphy the most decorated American soldier?
Audie Murphy earned every single military combat award for valor available from the U.S. Army, including the Medal of Honor, two Distinguished Service Crosses, two Silver Stars, and three Purple Hearts, among many others. This unparalleled collection of awards distinguishes him as the most decorated American soldier of World War II.
What was Audie Murphy's Medal of Honor action?
In January 1945, at the Colmar Pocket in France, 19-year-old Murphy single-handedly held off a German company and six tanks for an hour, using a .50 caliber machine gun from a burning M10 tank destroyer. Despite being wounded and running low on ammunition, he repelled the attack, then led a successful counterattack against the Germans.
Did Audie Murphy suffer from PTSD?
Yes, although the term "post-traumatic stress disorder" (PTSD) was not officially recognized during his time, Audie Murphy experienced severe symptoms consistent with the condition, including chronic insomnia, nightmares, and hypervigilance. He became a public advocate for increased government attention to the psychological challenges faced by combat veterans.
How did Audie Murphy die?
Audie Murphy died in a private plane crash on May 28, 1971, near Roanoke, Virginia. The crash was attributed to poor visibility due to fog and rain.
Where is Audie Murphy buried?
Audie Murphy is interred with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. His grave site is one of the most visited at the cemetery, reflecting his lasting legacy and the public's continued admiration.
What was Audie Murphy's most famous film?
Audie Murphy's most famous film was "To Hell and Back" (1955), an autobiographical movie based on his own memoirs, in which he starred as himself. It was a massive box office success and remains a classic war film.