Celebrated in both the US Army and Hollywood, Audie Murphy earned acclaim for his military service during the Second World War, becoming the most decorated soldier in American history. Following his time in the Army, he transitioned into a career in the film industry, securing notable roles in several popular movies, one of which portrayed his wartime heroics.
In the following list, we explore nine interesting and lesser-known facts about this exceptional actor and war hero.
He was rejected from the US Navy and Marine Corps
Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Audie Murphy felt compelled to join the US military. Despite his determination, his initial attempts to enlist with the Marine Corps, Navy and Army were rejected, due to his age and being underweight.
Undaunted, Murphy enlisted his sister’s assistance in altering his documents to make himself appear older than he actually was. Armed with this subterfuge, he once more sought to join the US Army and, this time, he succeeded.
Murphy commenced his military journey at Camp Wolters, Texas, where he underwent Basic Training, earning distinctions such as the Expert Badge with Bayonet Component Bar and Marksman Badge with Rifle Component Bar. Subsequently, he proceeded to Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Meade, Maryland.
Audie Murphy single-handedly held off a company of German troops
In February 1943, Audie Murphy was deployed to the Mediterranean, where he engaged in action before being transferred to the European Theater – the setting of most of his wartime service. One particularly noteworthy incident during this period led to his receipt of the Medal of Honor.
By January 1945, Murphy was stationed in the Colmar Pocket with his platoon. Later relocated to Holtzwihr with the 3rd Infantry Division, they faced a German counterattack. Despite sustaining injuries, Murphy assumed command of Company B, prioritizing the safety of his men over his own well-being.
When the Germans ignited an M10 tank destroyer, Murphy directed his soldiers to retreat to the woods, away from enemy fire. Armed only with his M1 Carbine and a radio for artillery coordination, he climbed onto the armored vehicle and manned its .50-caliber machine gun, firing at the advancing troops for an hour and inflicting 50 casualties.
During this courageous act, Murphy sustained another injury to one of his legs. Undeterred by his wounds, he returned to his men and led a full-man charge against the German forces. Speaking about Murphy’s bravery, Pvt. Charles Owen recalled, “He saved our lives. If he hadn’t done what he did, the Germans would have annihilated us.”
The US Army changed how he viewed his name
During his formative years, Audie Murphy harbored a dislike for his first name. Consequently, he frequently opted to go by his middle name, Leon. It had been bestowed upon him by one of his older sisters, unaware of its Latin meaning, “lion.” Ironically, the name proved fitting given Murphy’s remarkable achievements during World War II.
It was only upon joining the US Army that Murphy developed an appreciation for his first name. Within the military, “Leon” was perceived as a rural or country name, prompting him to adopt the monikers “Audie” or “Murph” for the rest of his life.
Awarded every US military combat award for valor – and then some
Audie Murphy holds the distinction of being the most decorated soldier in American history, a title that goes beyond symbolism – he genuinely earned each of the ones bestowed upon him.
Murphy was presented the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star with bronze oak leaf cluster, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with “V” Device, the Purple Heart with two bronze oak leaf clusters, the Presidential Unit Citation with First Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal and the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor.
In addition, he received several campaign medals, including the Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. Murphy also earned various badges, such as the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Marksman Badge with Rifle Component Bar and the Expert Badge with Bayonet Component Bar.
Remarkably, these are only the awards presented to him by the US military!
Murphy’s recognition extended beyond national borders, as he also received honors from both the French and Belgians. These international honors encompassed the French Legion of Honor – Grade of Chevalier (Knight), the French Croix de Guerre with Silver Star, the French Croix de Guerre with Palm, the Medal of a Liberated France, the Belgian Croix de Guerre with 1940 Palm and the French Fourragère in Colors of the Croix de Guerre.
Audie Murphy suffered from battle fatigue for the rest of his life
While known back in the day as “battle fatigue,” Audie Murphy suffered from what today we’d call post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of his WWII service. After he returned home, he began to suffer from insomnia and depression, and needed to find a solution. He was prescribed Placidyl, a strong sedative, from a doctor and unknowingly became addicted to it. When he realized the grip the drug had on him, Murphy locked himself in a motel room, without any pills, and spent a week detoxing.
Unlike many celebrities and veterans of his time, Murphy became an advocate for mental health, particularly in regards to retired servicemen returning home from Korea and Vietnam. He spoke of his own experiences in his advocacy, and even pushed the US government to conduct better research into the toll combat has on the human brain.
He wanted to make a movie about Desmond Doss’ military service
There was once a time Audie Murphy wanted to make a film about another Medal of Honor recipient, Desmond Doss. Awarded the decoration for his actions at Hacksaw Ridge during the Battle of Okinawa, Doss risked his life to treat his injured comrades, even though it meant exposing himself to unrelenting enemy fire. His efforts saved the lives of 75 men.
Hal B. Wallis, the producer of Casablanca (1942), tried to use Murphy to convince Doss to sell his story to Hollywood. However, the MoH recipient didn’t consider himself a hero, nor did he want “his character being impugned or compromised,” so he turned down the offer. It wasn’t until the release of Hacksaw Ridge in 2016 that Doss’ bravery made it to the big screen.
Audie Murphy portrayed himself in To Hell and Back (1955)
It’s rare that someone gets a film made about their life, let alone that they get to star as themselves in it. Audie Murphy is one of the few who did, portraying himself in the 1955 movie, To Hell and Back, based on the 1949 autobiography ghostwritten by his friend, David McClure.
To Hell and Back covers Murphy’s service during the Second World War, and stars the likes of Jack Kelly, Marshall Thompson, Charles Drake, Gregg Palmer and Paul Picerni, among a host of other notable names. It was released on the anniversary of his discharge from the US Army, and received generally positive reviews.
Despite being poor, there were still products he wouldn’t promote
During the twilight years of his life, Audie Murphy faced financial challenges. He suffered substantial losses, amounting to several hundred thousand dollars, in an Algerian oil venture, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) pursued him for outstanding tax debts.
While many actors would have readily embraced any job opportunity that came their way, Murphy remained steadfast in upholding his principles. Despite being presented with numerous offers for cigarette and alcohol advertisements, he declined each one, as he was resolute in his commitment to setting a positive example for his youthful admirers.
Audie Murphy is buried at Arlington National Cemetery
While traveling to a business deal on May 28, 1971, Audie Murphy was killed when the private plane he was in crashed into the side of a mountain in Roanoke, Virginia. Given his prior military service, he was granted a plot in Arlington National Cemetery, where he was buried with full military honors on June 7.
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Given his status, Murphy’s gravestone became a high-traffic area, becoming the second-most visited at Arlington, after that of President John F. Kennedy. The amount of visitors prompted the constructed of a flagstone walkway, and those wishing to visit the grave can find it in Section 46, across from the Memorial Amphitheater.