Hand-Picked Daily GUN DEALS, and Exclusive Coupons Codes >>>
We review products independently. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission to help support our testing. Learn more.

A Picture from History: Audie Murphy

We take a look at the most decorated WWII American soldier -- Audie Murphy. From the battlefield to film, come learn more about Murphy's achievements.
We review products independently. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission to help support our testing. Learn more.
JUMP TO SECTION Jump To:

    Meet Major Audie Murphy…a man whose name has become synonymous with military achievement.

    But there is more to Audie Murphy beyond being the most decorated American soldier of WWII.

    Audie Murphy in 1958
    A photo of Murphy in 1958

    Early Life

    Audie Leon Murphy was born on June 20, 1925, in Kingston, Texas, a rural community 60 miles northeast of Dallas. He was one of 12 children born to sharecroppers Emmet and Josie Murphy.

    When Emmet left the family, Murphy dropped out of the fifth grade and supported his family by picking cotton and hunting for food.

    Murphy’s life turned upside-down in 1941 when his mother died. His three youngest siblings headed to an orphanage while Murphy helped support the others by working at a gas station.

    Military Life

    After Pearl Harbor, the 16-year-old Murphy attempted to join the military but was turned down by all three branches.

    "Audie Murphy Hat & Medals" exhibit at the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center
    “Audie Murphy Hat & Medals” exhibit at the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center

    Not taking no for an answer, Murphy’s older sister falsified a document and added a year to his age. After his next birthday, Murphy was now “18” and joined the United States Army in June 1942.

    Pvt. Murphy arrived in North Africa in February 1943 as part of the 3rd Infantry Division.

    That summer, he participated in the Allied invasions of Sicily and Salerno. Murphy was steadily promoted throughout the Italian campaign. He reached the rank of Staff Sergeant in January 1944.

    Battlefield Heroics & Stardom

    Murphy’s most famous acts of battlefield heroism took place during the invasion of southern France.

    Between August 1944 and February 1945, Murphy was awarded a field commission, three Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars, the Legion of Merit, two Silver Stars, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Congressional Medal of Honor. 

    A shadow box displaying Audie Murphy's medals and decorations, among other memorabilia
    A shadowbox displaying Audie Murphy’s medals and decorations, among other memorabilia at the Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum. (Photo: Michael Barera)

    Murphy’s service made him a celebrity.

    After a film producer read about him in Life magazine, Murphy was brought to Hollywood and given acting lessons.

    Between 1948 and 1969, Murphy appeared in over 40 films and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

    A publicity photo of Audie Murphy for 1953's Red Badge of Courage
    A publicity photo of Audie Murphy for 1953’s Red Badge of Courage (Photo: MGM)

    He mostly appeared in western films. However, two of his most notable roles were in the 1951 adaptation of The Red Badge of Courage and 1955’s To Hell and Back. In the latter, Murphy reluctantly played the role of himself. 

    Later Life

    Film career aside, Murphy was an advocate for PTSD awareness.

    His first wife reported that he slept with a loaded pistol under his pillow, suffered from headaches and nightmares about the war, and was prone to violent mood swings.

    Murphy also became addicted to the sedatives he used to treat his insomnia.

    Another promo photo of Murphy for Red Badge of Courage
    Another promo photo of Murphy for Red Badge of Courage (Photo: MGM)

    He spoke openly about his condition and called for greater funding to study and treat PTSD.

    Maj. Audie Murphy died tragically on May 28, 1971. The private plane he was traveling in crashed into a mountain in Virginia due to low visibility. Murphy was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

    Audie Murphy's headstone in Arlington National Cemetery
    Audie Murphy’s headstone in Arlington National Cemetery (Photo: Soloban)

    Medal of Honor recipients typically have their names decorated with gold on their headstones. Murphy, however, requested that his name appear the same as an ordinary soldier’s.

    Want to learn more about Audie Murphy? Check out David A. Smith’s biography of Murphy, The Price of Valor: The Life of Audie Murphy, America’s Most Decorated Hero of World War II.

    This is a new style of article for Pew Pew Tactical, if you liked it — let us know in the comments! If you didn’t enjoy it…well phooey. To catch up on previous Pictures from History, click on over to our History Category.

    The Best Gun Deals, Coupons and Finds

    Subscribe to Pew Pew Tactical's sales and deals email.

    6 Leave a Reply

    • Ted Racine

      Hurrah to Audie Murphy! He epitomized the relentless American calls to duty, honor and country. He just gave and gave and then gave some more.

      March 7, 2022 3:43 am
    • Muleskinner

      Murphy is one of my favorite actors because he was a real hero, not just a Hollywierd fabrication. I appreciate this article.

      March 6, 2022 10:08 pm
    • Alan Carnell

      How and when did Audie Murphy become a Major?

      March 6, 2022 3:16 pm
    • Jacob Singer

      You can read his autobiography as well.
      How he won The Medal of Honor is so incredible a story, if Hollywood made it up none of us would believe it.

      March 5, 2022 8:24 am
    • Tits Mcgee

      If you ever see Audi Murphy fighting a bear you better jump in and help the bear....

      March 5, 2022 4:26 am
    • RGP

      There is an Audie Murphy Museum in Greenville, Texas, not too far from Dallas. Well worth the visit if you're ever in the area.

      March 4, 2022 2:38 pm
    Join the community! Log in
    Please provide a valid email address.
    Password is required.
    or
    Register
    Please provide a valid display name.
    Please provide a valid email address.
    The password should contain at least 8 characters with at least one number or special character.
    Please accept in order to continue.
    By unsubscribing, you will not be able to access exclusive training courses in your profile. You will still be able to save and access your products and articles.
    or
    Trouble logging in?
    Type your email address and we’ll send you a link to reset your password.
    Please provide a valid email.
    Password
    Type your new password and hit button below to confirm it.
    Field is required.
    Account already exists
    We already have an account registered for email address () which is linked to your Facebook account.
    To log in type your Pew Pew Meter password below.
    Field is required.
    Account already exists
    We noticed that you have previously logged in with your Account which is linked to the same email address () - we can link both of your accounts together.
    In order to link your accounts, hit button below and log in to your Account with the same email as above.

    Account in Pew Pew Tactical means more.

    Login or create a free account to get the following
    Access and save hundreds of reviews, gun guides, and articles!
    Find the best daily deals on guns, gear, and ammo
    Manage your newsletter subscriptions and comments