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Audie Murphy

Audie Leon Murphy (June 20, 1924May 28, 1971) was the United States' most decorated combat soldier of World War II. He later became an actor and songwriter.

Biography

From an original family of 12 children, Audie Murphy was born into abject poverty. His father abandoned the family, and his mother died when he was 17, leaving him and five younger siblings still at home. He grew up in the rural area of Farmersville and later Greenville, Texas. Desperately needing money, he joined the United States Army in order to earn enough to help support his family.

Although only 5 feet, 5 inches, (165 cm) tall, Audie Murphy fought in World War II with such courage that he received every decoration for valor that the United States had to offer, plus another five decorations were presented to him by Belgium and France.

After the war, his photo appeared on the cover of Life magazine and his 1949 autobiography To Hell and Back became a national bestseller.

He was signed by Universal Studios, where he starred in more than 27 films. The 1955 film, To Hell and Back, based on his book, held the record as Universal's highest-grossing motion picture until 1975, when it was surpassed by Steven Spielberg's Jaws.

In addition to acting in motion pictures, Murphy also became successful as a country music songwriter. However, in spite of his fame and fortune, the trauma of war affected him a great deal and he suffered considerably with what today is known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and had a difficult life, suffering from a number of addictions, depression, and insomnia.

Audie Murphy died in 1971 when the private plane he was flying in crashed in heavy fog near Roanoke, Virginia. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

In 1996 the Texas Legislature officially declared his birthdate, June 20, as "Audie Murphy Day." In 1999, Governor George W. Bush, also made the same proclamation declaring June 20 to officially be "Audie Murphy Day" in the state of Texas.

In the year 2000, Audie Murphy was further honored with his portrait on the 33 cent United States postage stamp.

In August 2004, Audie Murphy Middle School will open. The dedication will be held on August 15, 2004. The school is on Fort Hood. Its mascot is the Falcons.

Military honors

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Last updated: 11-06-2004 12:11:58