America's Greatest Hero

Every so often, I take some time to remember a truly remarkable human being. Considering the state of American schools, I doubt that many of you were ever taught about Audie Leon Murphy.

Born to a very poor Texas family in June 1926, and one of twelve children, Audie Murphy quit school in the eight grade to help support his family when his father deserted them. Audie picked cotton for a buck a day. In June 1942, Audie's' sister helped him alter his birth certificate, and barely sixteen years old, Audie joined the Army. He was turned down by the paratroopers and Marines because his was a small kid, 5'5" and barely 120 pounds.

During his basic training, Audies' Company Commander tried to make him a cook because of his "baby-faced" appearance, but Audie wouldn't stand for it, and off to the war he went, sixteen and a half years old.

One could write volumes on Audie Murphy and his exploits as a combat soldier. He may have been the best soldier who ever lived. Murphy was the most decorated soldier of World War II. He received every decoration for valor that our country had to offer, some of them numerous times, including the Congressional Medal of Honor. He also received five decorations from France and Belgium. Audie became a legend, fought in nine major campaigns, was wounded three times, and rose from a Private to receive a battle field commission to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, and he was barely nineteen years old when discharged from the Army. I know this may be a bit wordy, but please take a minute and read the actual citation of the Congressional Medal of Honor.

CITATION: 2nd Lt. Murphy commanded Company B, which was attacked by 6 tanks and waves of infantry. 2nd Lt. Murphy ordered his men to withdraw to prepared positions in the woods, while he remained forward at his command post and continued to give fire directions to the artillery by telephone. Behind him, to his right, one of our tank destroyers received a direct hit and began to burn. Its crew withdrew to the woods. 2nd Lt. Murphy continued to direct artillery fire which killed large numbers of the advancing enemy infantry. With the enemy tanks abreast of his position, 2nd Lt. Murphy climbed on the burning tank destroyer, which was in danger of blowing up at any moment, and emptied its .50 caliber machine gun against the enemy. He was alone and exposed to German fire from three sides, but his deadly fire killed dozens of Germans and caused their infantry attack to waiver. The enemy tanks, losing infantry support, began to fall back. For an hour the Germans tried every available weapon to eliminate 2nd Lt. Murphy, but he continued to hold his position and wiped out a squad which was trying to creep up unnoticed on his right flank. Germans reached as close as ten yards, only to be mowed down by his fire. He received a leg wound, but ignored it and continued the single handed fight until his ammunition was exhausted. He then made his way to his company, refused medical attention, and organized the company in a counter attack which forced the Germans to withdraw. 2nd Lt. Murphy's indomitable courage and his refusal to give an inch of ground saved his company from encirclement and destruction.

Wow! My friends, this was a nineteen year old, slight of build, but within him beat the heart of America.

Today, we have football heroes, and political heroes, etc., etc., but Audie Leon Murphy was a real hero when it counted. Audie returned to America and made movies, mostly westerns, and I watch his movies whenever they are on. Audie was killed in a plane crash in 1971 and he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Only President Kennedy's grave has more visitors each year.

Audie Murphy, product of poverty, product of unfortunate circumstances as a youth, showed what uncommon things common men can do. Thank you Lord for Audie Murphy, let us never forget.