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.

Honors

On November 17, 1973, the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital in San Antonio, Texas was dedicated to Murphy. A one-ton bronze, eight-foot statue of Audie is the fine work of sculptress, Jimilu Mason, who was one of Murphy's many admirers. He is dressed in battle fatigues holding a rifle with bayonet. Inside the hospital, is a museum that depicts Murphy's life and has items including a uniform, other clothing, books and pictures.

Related Topics:
November 17 - 1973

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In 1996 the Texas Legislature officially declared his birthdate, June 20, as "Audie Murphy Day". U.S. Highway 69 North, from North Greenville city limits to Fannin County line was renamed "The Audie Murphy Memorial Highway". In 1996, he was inducted posthumously into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Related Topics:
Texas Legislature - June 20 - Western Performers Hall of Fame - National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

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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.

Related Topics:
George W. Bush - June 20

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In 2000, Audie Murphy was honored with his portrait on the thirty three cent United States postage stamp. There is also an Audie Murphy Middle School in Fort Hood, Texas, named in his honor.

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Military awards

• Medal of Honor
• Distinguished Service Cross
• Silver Star with First Oak Leaf Cluster
• Legion of Merit
• Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device and First Oak Leaf Cluster
• Purple Heart with Second Oak Leaf Cluster
• U.S. Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal
• Good Conduct Medal
• Distinguished Unit Emblem with First Oak Leaf Cluster
• European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with One Silver Star, Four Bronze Service Stars (representing nine campaigns) and one Bronze Arrowhead (representing assault landing at Sicily and Southern France)
• American Campaign Medal
• World War II Victory Medal
• Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp
• Armed Forces Reserve Medal
• Combat Infantryman Badge
• Expert Badge with Bayonet Bar
• Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar
• French Fourragère in Colors of the Croix de guerre
• French Legion of Honor
• French Croix de guerre with Palm
• French Croix de guerre with Silver Star
• French Liberation Medal
• Belgian Croix de guerre with Palm