Audie Leon Murphy was born in Kingston, Texas on 20 June 1924.

He had only five years of schooling and was orphaned at the age of 16.

He joined the U.S Army a few days after his 18th birthday, and went to Basic Training at  Camp Wolters, TX and advanced Training at Fort Mead, Maryland. His service number was 01 692 509.

 

During World War II, Audie Murphy was assigned to the 15th Inf Regiment, 3d Inf Div where he fought in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany. He earned a battlefields commission to Lieutenant for his courage and leadership ability.

 

His highest enlisted rank held was Staff Sergeant. He received every medal for valor that America gives. Some of those medals are: Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Medal of Honor. He was also awarded three French medals and one Belgian medal.

 

Audie Murphy was the highest decorated soldier in America History. He was discharged from the Army on 21 September 1945. He was invited to Hollywood by movie star James Cagney. Audie Murphy acted in 44 movies. His best known film was To Hell and Back. Some of his other movies are Bad Boy, Gunsmoke, Gunpoint, and The Unforgiven.

 

Audie Murphy wrote the lyrics of 16 country and western songs. The most popular of which was Shutters and Boards. Some others are: Please Mr. Music Man Play a Song for Me, When the Wind Blows in Chicago, Foolish Clock, and Leave the Weeping to the Willow Tree.

 

In 1950 Audie Murphy joined the 36th Inf Div (T-Patchers) of the Texas National Guard and served until 1966. He was a Mason and a Shriner.

 

Audie Murphy was killed in a plane crash on a mountain top near Roanoke, Virginia on 28 May 1971. His body was recovered two days later, on Memorial Day.