Audie Murphy [1925-1971] was one of the most decorated U.S. soldiers in World War II. He single-handedly held off a company of German soldiers for an hour, then led a successful counterattack while wounded and out of ammunition. For his heroism he received every combat award possible from the U.S. Army, as well as awards from France and Belgium.
After the war he wrote his autobiography, went to Hollywood and became a movie star during a 21-year acting career, and later a successful businessman. He spoke out publicly about his own symptoms of what was then called "battle fatigue" or "shell shock". He also made appearances such as war monument dedications, which brought him to Alabama. He died in a small plane crash in Virginia and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Murphy came to Montgomery in late July 1968 to speak at the dedication of the Alabama War Memorial, a project of the American Legion. Included were marble monuments, a garden and a building. The newspaper articles below give more details about the event. A few years ago an audio recording of his remarks was discovered. Also below is the text of a resolution from the Alabama House passed after Murphy's death.
You can read here about efforts to revitalize the neglected Memorial almost fifty years later. As noted below, Murphy made at least two other appearances in Alabama.
His best known film is probably the 1955 To Hell and Back, based on his 1949 autobiography. Most of his other movies were westerns; I've seen many and enjoyed them. His acting range was pretty limited, but his personal appeal fit the movies he made very well.
| FREEDOM FLIES IN YOUR HEART LIKE AN EAGLE |
| Dusty old helmet, rusty old gun, They sit in the corner and wait. Two souvenirs of the Second World War That have witnessed the time and the hate. Mute witness to a time of much trouble Where kill or be killed was the law. Were these implements used with high honor? What was the glory they saw? Many times I've wanted to ask them... And now that we're here, all alone, Relics all three of that long ago war. . . Where has freedom gone? Freedom flies in your heart like an eagle. Let it soar with the winds high above Among the Spirits of soldiers now sleeping. Guard with care and with love. I salute my old friends in the corner. I agree with all they have said . . . And if the moment of truth comes tomorrow, I'll be free, or by God, I'll be dead! . . . Audie Murphy, 1968 |
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Murphy played himself in the 1955 film based on his life, To Hell and Back
Source: Audie Murphy Movies
