Audie Murphy

Audie Leon Murphy (1924-1971) continues to hold the distinction as America's most decorated combat soldier. Murphy was awarded 33 medals during his three years of service as an infantry soldier in the 15th Regiment of the Third Division. Murphy received the Medal of Honor for action in the Colmar Pocket and was discharged with the rank of major.

From a tragic start in rural Texas to a hero of WWII, Murphy at age 22 landed in Hollywood and worked his way to a Universal-International contract in 1950 where he made 26 films (mostly Westerns) over 15 years. Murphy starred in the film version of his 1950 best-selling autobiography To Hell and Back released by Universal in 1955. It was the studio's best-selling film until Jaws in 1975. Over the span of 25 years, Murphy made 44 films.

Outside of Hollywood, Murphy kept in touch with his Texas roots. He owned ranches, bred racehorses, married twice, had two children and gambled. He was also an accomplished songwriter for artists like Dean Martin and Eddy Arnold.

In the 1960s, Murphy spoke publicly about "Battle Fatigue" after a frightful sleeping pill addiction. Murphy's candid commentary on his experiences with what is now called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is well-documented.

Murphy declared bankruptcy two year's before his death on Memorial Day weekend in 1971. The 46-year-old Murphy was buried with full military honors at Arlington. His burial site is second to President Kennedy's in annual visits.

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