Audie Murphy playing himself as the most decorated Army soldier in US history. Based on Murphy's book of the same name, this 1955 film was a box office hit. Some wooden performances and predictable dialog, but the thrill of seeing the hero himself re-enact his combat bravery was worth it.
Two each Silver & Bronze Stars, Congressional Medal of Honor (his actions in France atop the pictured tank earned him the latter), Croix de Guerre and Legion of Honor. Murphy got his older sister to attest that he was 16, but Marines, Navy and Paratroopers all passed on this slightly built Texan. He left the regular Army after 3 years in Africa, Italy and France at just 19!
Sadly, he was tormented by PTSD for the rest of his life, but was one of the first advocates for similarly affected vets. Starred in many movies and was even a popular country western singer. He died in a private plane crash in 1971. Buried at Arlington National Cemetery where my parents lie, his grave remains the second most visited after John F. Kennedy's.
Two each Silver & Bronze Stars, Congressional Medal of Honor (his actions in France atop the pictured tank earned him the latter), Croix de Guerre and Legion of Honor. Murphy got his older sister to attest that he was 16, but Marines, Navy and Paratroopers all passed on this slightly built Texan. He left the regular Army after 3 years in Africa, Italy and France at just 19!
Sadly, he was tormented by PTSD for the rest of his life, but was one of the first advocates for similarly affected vets. Starred in many movies and was even a popular country western singer. He died in a private plane crash in 1971. Buried at Arlington National Cemetery where my parents lie, his grave remains the second most visited after John F. Kennedy's.