DIRTY HARRY Loc: Hartland, Michigan

Audie Leon Murphy (20 June 1925 – 28 May 1971) was one of the most decorated American combat soldiers of World War II, receiving every military combat award for valor available from the U.S. Army, as well as French and Belgian awards for heroism. Murphy received the Medal of Honor for valor demonstrated at the age of 19 for single-handedly holding off an entire company of German soldiers for an hour at the Colmar Pocket in France in January 1945, then leading a successful counterattack while wounded and out of ammunition.
After the war, Murphy enjoyed a 21-year acting career. He played himself in the 1955 autobiographical To Hell and Back based on his 1949 memoirs of the same name, but most of his films were westerns. He made guest appearances on celebrity television shows and starred in the series Whispering Smith. Murphy was a fairly accomplished songwriter, and bred quarter horses in California and Arizona, becoming a regular participant in horse racing.
Suffering from what would today be termed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), he slept with a loaded handgun under his pillow and looked for solace in addictive sleeping pills. In the last few years of his life he was plagued by money problems, but refused offers to appear in alcohol and cigarette commercials because he did not want to set a bad example. Murphy died in a plane crash in Virginia in 1971 shortly before his 46th birthday, and was interred with full military honors at Arlington

Audie Leon Murphy

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

A true American hero!

Kraken Loc: Barry's Bay

Brian in Whitby Loc: Whitby, Ontario, Canada

Thank you for a very interesting story. He certainly had an extremely varied life. He is the kind of person I would like to have a conversation with.

jonsailhob

Thanks for the reminder. His story is perfect for Memorial Day.

sumo Loc: Houston suburb

One of my few heroes

NMGal Loc: NE NM

My hero for more years than I care to remember.

ntonkin Loc: western Upper Peninusla of Michigan

Memorial Day is for us to remember those who were killed defending our nation. NOT for remembering highly decorated soldiers.

Art Heurtel (my wife's uncle) was killed defending a hill in the Colmar pocket shortly before Audie Murphy earned his MOH in the counter attack. He was awarded a posthumous Silver Star.

Remembering Art is what Memorial Day is about. Not Audie.

rcarol

I'm not sure why we can't do both.

ntonkin Loc: western Upper Peninusla of Michigan

When you do both, you detract from the true purpose of this "remembrance Day".

rcarol

I don't believe this for a moment. I for one can walk and chew gum at the same time.

One Rude Dawg Loc: Athol, ID

The world according to ntonkin. It's a personal thing, different for everybody. I think it is still a free country.

Ratskinner Loc: Copalis Beach WA

I met Audie Murphy one day on the set of To Hell And Back near Selah WA. We chatted for several minutes
before I recognized him. He was very gracious to a couple high school kids and invited us to lunch with some of the actors and film crew. We were then hired to work as extras, for a few scenes. What a thrill, and
the money was welcome too. I honor him and all veterans and I don't pay any attention to someone who says I should not.

DIRTY HARRY Loc: Hartland, Michigan

WHY?

DIRTY HARRY Loc: Hartland, Michigan

SO NONE OF THE REST MATTER. MY FATER IN LAW DIED FROM WOUNDS INCURRED AS A TAIL GUNNER IN THE BACK OF A B-17 FROM A ME-109 OVER GERMANY ..... SO HE DOESN'T MATTER EITHER?