Audie Leon Murphy (June 20, 1925 – May 28, 1971) was one of the most decorated American combat soldiers of World War II. He was awarded every U.S. military combat award for valor available from the U.S. Army, and was decorated by France and Belgium. He served in the Mediterranean and European Theater of Operations. Murphy received the Medal of Honor for his defensive actions against German troops on January 26, 1945, at the Colmar Pocket near Holtzwihr, France, aged only 19. During an hour-long siege, he stood alone on a burning tank destroyer firing a machine gun at attacking German soldiers and tanks. Wounded and out of ammunition, Murphy climbed off the vehicle, refused medical attention, and led his men on a successful counterattack.
There is a growing concern that the memory of Audie is beginning to fade and that he would be forgotten. In some cases distorted and inaccurate accounts of Audie Murphy’s life were being published and reprinted. Unfortunately, those who knew him best and could set the record straight, including close friends, military comrades, and immediate family members have rapidly passed away over time.
We will be presenting a series of articles written by Vicki Ellis Griffis that were published in the Celeste Tribune (Texas).
These articles are used with the permission and courtesy of the author.
Charlie Company Vietnam 1966-1972 