A man carrying a single machine gun stalled a German attack

77 years ago, against six tanks, while his leg was wounded.

Audie Murphy’s Remarkable Life Story: From Rejection to Bravery

Despite being rejected by the Marines and paratroopers, Audie Murphy’s unwavering determination led him to the infantry, where he established himself as one of the most prominent heroes of World War II. Raised on a farm, Murphy possessed a strong work ethic and a deep sense of duty that propelled him to excel on the battlefield.

His exceptional courage and heroism in the face of adversity earned him numerous accolades, including the Medal of Honor – the highest military decoration bestowed in the United States.

However, despite his success both in the Army and in Hollywood, Murphy battled PTSD and financial troubles later in life. Nonetheless, his legacy serves as a source of inspiration for generations of Americans, while his story reminds us of the sacrifices made by those who served in the armed forces.

Today, Murphy is remembered for his military achievements and advocacy for veterans’ rights and mental health awareness.

The Audie Leon Murphy Hunt County War Memorial. Photo by Michael Barera/Wikimedia Commons

The Life of Auddie Murphy: A Heroic Tale

Murphy’s upbringing was marked by hardship; born into a sharecropping family, he played a big role in raising his 11 siblings. He left school after the fifth grade and later falsified his birth certificate to enlist in the Army at 17, following his mother’s death.

Serving for years, Murphy eventually became a 2nd Lieutenant and was in command of a company near the French village of Holtzwihr on Jan. 26, 1945. With six German tanks and several hundred infantrymen attacking his company, Murphy sprang into action, ordering his men to “fall back to defensive positions in nearby woods.”

Murphy covered the men’s withdrawal and,

Climbed on the burning tank destroyer, which was in danger of blowing up at any moment, and employed its .50 caliber machine gun against the enemy. [iv]

Although Murphy was exposed atop the burning tank destroyer, he took out more than 20 German soldiers, successfully repelling their attack. Murphy held on for over an hour, despite becoming wounded in the leg. His company would follow with a counterattack. [v]

During World War II, bravery and heroism were not in short supply, but Audie Murphy’s actions on that day went beyond what was expected of a soldier. Despite being heavily outnumbered, he managed to take out more than 20 German soldiers, making him an instant legend. The fact that he did so while being wounded in the leg only adds to the magnitude of his actions.[v]

“A” Company, 612th Tank Destroyer Batallion, carrying troops of the 2nd Infantry Division, 9th Infantry Regiment during WWII. Photo by US Army Photo/Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons

A tank destroyer is an exceptionally mobile, lightly armored vehicle used to fight tanks during World War II. They are similar to tanks and are known to have pretty thin rear and side armor. Additionally, the tank destroyer’s gun was “mounted in an open turret,” or tower. As a result, they were lighter, faster, and much simpler to manufacture. Consequently, this also made them more vulnerable to enemy fire. [vi]

Watch the video below for more on the tank destroyer.

Audie Murphy: War Hero and Talented Entertainer

After serving in the military, Audie Murphy made a name for himself in the entertainment industry. He proved to be a gifted songwriter, penning hits like “Shutters and Boards” and “When the Wind Blows in Chicago.” [vii]

Eventually, his skills caught the eye of movie producers, and he began acting. Over the course of his two-decade career, Murphy starred in 44 films, yet he never lost his passion for music. In fact, he continued to write and perform throughout his acting career. Murphy also made his mark on television, starring in popular shows like “Whispering Smith” and “The Audie Murphy Show.” [vii]

Despite his success in Hollywood, Murphy never forgot his roots as a soldier. He wrote an autobiographical book, “To Hell and Back,” about his experiences in World War II, which was later adapted into a film starring Murphy himself. [vii]

Additionally, he remained an advocate for veterans and worked tirelessly to improve their treatment. Though Murphy’s life was tragically cut short by a plane crash on May 28, 1971, his legacy as an American hero lives on. [vii]

The Medal of Honor: Recognizing Valor in Combat

The Medal of Honor is a prestigious award that honors those who have demonstrated exceptional courage in combat. It is the highest recognition of valor in the United States, awarded to soldiers who risk their lives to protect the country and its ideals. Established in 1861 during the Civil War, the Medal of Honor is the oldest military award in the US. [viii]

Earning the Medal of Honor is no small feat. Recipients must display bravery beyond the call of duty, and it is only awarded to Armed Forces members who have shown exceptional valor. Over 3,500 Medals of Honor have been awarded since its creation, with almost half given during the Civil War. [viii]

There are three types of Medals of Honor: one for the Army, another for the Navy, and a third for the Air Force (previously awarded by the Army). Only 19 individuals have received the Medal of Honor twice, the most recent being Army Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta in 2010. Recipients are often awarded posthumously, as many have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country. [viii]

It is crucial to honor and remember the brave individuals who have earned the Medal of Honor for their remarkable acts of selflessness and heroism. [viii]

References

[i] Arlington National Cemetery, Audie Murphy Section 46, Grave 366-11 (2022)

[ii] Id.

[iii] The National WWII Museum New Orleans, Audie Murphy Single-handedly Stopped a German Attack (Jan. 26, 2020)

[iv] Id.

[v] Id.

[vi] Britannica, tank destroyer (May 5, 2010)

[vii] The National WWII Museum New Orleans, Audie Murphy Single-handedly Stopped a German Attack (Jan. 26, 2020)

[viii] National Medal of Honor Museum, The Medal of Honor (2022)