By Andy Lee
I was thinking about…Audie Murphy
The most decorated American soldier of World War II, Audie Murphy became a legend for his incredible acts of valor in combat. His bravest moment came in January 1945 near the French village of Holtzwihr. Murphy’s infantry company of just 18 men came under ferocious assault from a much larger German force. With the Americans facing mounting casualties, Murphy ordered his men to fall back to safety in the woods while he remained to provide covering fire.
Alone, the 19-year-old Murphy climbed aboard a damaged M4 Sherman tank whose crew had been killed. Manning its .50 caliber machine gun, he stood fully exposed as hundreds of German infantrymen advanced across an open field. Outnumbered at least 10 to 1, Murphy fired the heavy machine gun relentlessly, cutting down waves of enemy soldiers as they charged forward. His heroic stand slowed the German onslaught, buying precious time for his retreating company. Even after being struck in the leg by a bullet, Murphy remained resolute, pouring murderous fire into the German ranks until he ran out of ammunition.
Bleeding and exhausted, Murphy limped back to his company’s position. There he organized a defensive perimeter and inflicted still more casualties on the Germans with his carbine rifle. Murphy’s astounding bravery broke the German attack and prevented his unit from being overrun. His commanding officer would later call it “the greatest example of gallantry and courage I have ever witnessed.”
For his near suicidal mission, Audie Murphy was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States. The detailed official citation declared his actions “an inspirational example of valor at its highest.” In addition to the Medal of Honor, Murphy earned an astonishing 33 other U.S. medals, ribbons, and citations, including 5 from the French and 1 from Belgium. At just 19 years old, he became the most decorated American soldier of WW2. But Murphy’s humble courage went beyond any medals he received.
Audie Murphy was born in 1925 to a family of sharecroppers in Texas. He grew up in extreme poverty, with little formal education. Murphy enlisted in the army at just 16 after being turned down by the Marines, Navy, and Army paratroopers for being underweight and underage. After basic training, he was sent to the Mediterranean theater in 1943 as an army private.
But Murphy quickly rose through the ranks during intense fighting in Italy, France, and Germany. His extraordinary battlefield exploits earned him rapid promotion to corporal, sergeant, and finally second lieutenant. Murphy fought in 9 major campaigns and became a national hero after the war, starring as himself in a Hollywood movie titled “To Hell and Back” based on his autobiography.
Yet despite his fame, Murphy remained withdrawn and soft-spoken. He struggled with post-traumatic stress after the war’s end and was plagued by nightmares. But to fellow soldiers, Murphy’s humility, and quiet courage under fire on that January day in Holtzwihr truly embodied the selflessness and bravery expected of America’s greatest heroes. His willingness to risk his life to save his comrades serves as an enduring reminder of the strength of human perseverance even in the darkest of times.
Audie Murphy continued to serve for some time after World War II, before beginning his acting career. However, he remained haunted by the war and suffered from post-traumatic stress for the rest of his life. On May 28, 1971, at the age of 45, Audie Murphy died in a plane crash and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.
Murphy’s extraordinary heroism in the face of impossible odds showed the world what one man with boundless courage could accomplish. His actions that day in Holtzwihr saved many of his fellow soldiers from certain death. Murphy set an example of self-sacrifice and determination that will be remembered for generations.
Nearly six decades later, Audie Murphy remains one of the most celebrated American combat soldiers. The 24-year-old who was turned down by every branch of the military became its most decorated member. His daring rescue of his company serves as an eternal testament to the human capacity for valor and courage. Audie Murphy’s remarkable story illustrates how even one solitary individual can change the tide of history through their actions. His unparalleled bravery and humility continue to inspire us today.
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