Audie Murphy

Audie Leon Murphy (June 20, 1924 to May 28, 1971), was the United States' most decorated combat soldier of World War II. He later became an actor and singer/songwriter. Among his thirty three awards and decorations was the Medal of Honor, the highest military award for bravery that can be given to any individual in the United States of America, for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty." Murphy received every decoration for valor that the U.S. had to offer, some of them more than once, and five decorations by France and Belgium. He served three years active service as a combat soldier in World War II. Murphy became one of the best fighting combat soldiers of this or any other century. What Murphy accomplished during this period is most significant and probably will never be repeated by another soldier, given today's high-tech type of warfare. The U.S. Army has always declared that there will never be another Audie Murphy. Murphy was released from the Army as an active member and reassigned to inactive status on September 21 1945.

Death

While on a business trip on May 28, 1971, (Memorial Day Weekend) he was killed at the age of 46. His private plane was flying in fog and rain. It crashed on the side of Brush Mountain near Catawba, Virginia, some twenty miles west of Roanoke, Virginia. Five others including the pilot were also killed.

Related Topics:
May 28 - 1971 - Memorial Day - Virginia - Roanoke, Virginia

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On June 7,1971, Audie Murphy was buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery. His gravesite, near the Amphitheater, is second most visited gravesite year round. President John F. Kennedy's grave is the most visited. At Arlington Cemetery, the tombstones of Medal of Honor winners are normally decorated in gold leaf, but Murphy had requested that his tombstone remained plain and inconspicous. His engraved headstone reads as follows: Audie L. Murphy, Texas. Major Infantry, World War II, June 20, 1924 to May 28, 1971, Medal of Honor, DSC - SS & OLC; LM - BSM & OLC; PH & two OLC. (DSC-Distinguished Service Cross; SS-Silver Star; LM-Legion of Merit; BSM-Bronze Star Medal; OLC-Oak Leaf Cluster; PH-Purple Heart).

Related Topics:
June 7 - 1971 - Arlington National Cemetery - John F. Kennedy - June 20 - 1924 - May 28

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In 1974, a large granite memorial marker was erected near the crash site.

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