Why Is Audie Murphys A Hero

AUDIE LEON MURPHY

Audie Leon Murphy and how he became World War II most decorated soldier. Why he is known as one of the most outstanding people in military history.

Audie Leon Murphy was World War II most decorated soldier; retiring with 33 U.S. Military Medals, including three Purple Hearts and one Medal of Honor. After retirement he became an actor; making 44 featured films in all. Murphy also came to be a successful Country Music songwriter.

Born in Hunt County, Texas, June 20, 1925, Audie Murphy was raised in a ramshackle house. Being born into a poor family with a sick mother and an irresponsible father, Murphy had to help in raising his 12 siblings. His father, Emmett Berry Murphy, eventually completely abandoned his family and his

Before the age of 20 he had earned every Combat Award for Valor available in his period of service, and holding the rank of First Lieutenant. He was made Life Magazines Cover Story for being the most decorated soldier. The psychological effects of war stayed with him for the rest of his life. Though the military did not cause him majority of his post-war stress, he publically forth came about it hoping he could prod the Government into providing better treatment for other Soldiers and Veterans.

Audie Murphy had dreamed of being a combat soldier all through his youth. The death of his mother in 1941 made him even more impetus to achieve his goal. He was turned down by all branches due to being underweight and underage. With a change of diet he gained the weight he needed. To join he still had to be of age. In doing so, he gave the Army an affidavit from his sister Elizabeth Corrine Murphy that falsified his birth by one year. He enlisted in Dallas on the 30 Jun

The book became a best seller, and in 1955, he decided to star in the film version of his book. The movie became the highest-grossing motion picture until 1975. After being proclaimed Americas “Most Decorated Soldier” on the cover of Life Magazine, where he was brought to the attention of veteran actor James Cagney. The Cagneys taught Murphy acting techniques, as well as directing him to lesson s at the Actors Lab on Sunset Boulevard. Due to a disagreement with William Cagney his association had ended with the Cagney brothers without having cast in a film production.

Although Murphy was reluctant to film as himself in the film version of his book, To Hell and Back, he had eventually agreed to. It became the biggest hit in the history of Universal Studios. By the end of the 1950’s decade Murphy had done 3 Westerns. His last ever film; A Time for Dying; he had a role as Jesse James. Budd Boettic agreed to the production as a favor for an earlier time when Murphy had helped him out of a financial crisis. The production was completely beset with financial issues, and the set burned down