I watch my first Audie Murphy the other day. It was the one he had to teach women to fight to save them from Indians.
Audie military service is amazing. What's confusing me is his height. The internet says he is 5 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 6 inches. Witch is around my size (5 feet 6 inches.) But according to what I found. His license he was found with said 5 10. The only thing that I can think of is that that was a mistake.

It doesn't really matter. It is a nice change to see a some one that's is a true hero and not a Hollywood giant hero wannabe in a staring role.

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Fear only God

I've seen all his movies. He was also a song writer and poet .
Most decorated , bet some of the branches of the armed forces were sorry they turned him down.

I bet the war in the pacific may have ended sooner if the Marine's accepted him. Lol.

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Fear only God

The one that always stuck with me was The Quiet American, with Michael Redgrave.

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Not in jail.

We will never know. But he sure was in the right place at the right time when his men needed him.
A true American Patriot and hero.

...he may have grown another few inches after the war...

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A Country Boy Can Survive

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A Country Boy Can Survive

Col. John Singleton Mosby, CSA, was also not a large man. I think the famed Gray Ghost was 5'6" ??


I've read that he weighed about 125 pounds. In photos, his holstered Colt .44 looks pretty big on his waist.

I remember reading years ago that because of the height difference with other actors he wore lift shoes and camera angles were "adjusted" to minimize the difference. While he may have been "height challenged" it didn't seem to affect his courage.

he may have been short physically, but in the Hero Dept. He was the LARGEST Hero I can think of! It's a shame that the Millennia's don't even know his name, what he did and what a REAL Hero looks like!

Only thing that kept him out of West Point was a bullet wound in his posterior is the story I heard. He was the most decorated WWII soldier if not the most decorated ever.

If you get a chance Google him and wikipedia will tell you a lot about his life you don't already know.

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I Cor. 10:13 "1611KJV"

Most Texans seem to be 5 ft 8, im 5ft 8-so just call his height-5 ft 8 and we are good. I might add:

More on Murphy. He was awarded the Texas Medal of Honor a few years ago:


As of sometime in 2013, the Governor of the State of Texas: Governor Rick Perry, has awarded one of Texas's most famous sons--Audie Leon Murphy--the Texas Medal of Honor. :thumpsup: Way to go Audie Sir. :salute: We are still awaiting for Audie Murphy to officially be nominated for and awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Ill add photos and more info soon as I get to a computer. The: Texas Medal of Honor: :thumpsup: Image the award ceremony was on October 29, 2013 in Audies hometown of: Farmersville, here in Texas. [img] Perry visits Farmersville to award Legislative Medal of Honor to Murphy By Caleb Slinkard Herald-Banner Staff FARMERSVILLE — After he handed the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to Nadine Lokey in honor of her brother Audie Murphy, Gov. Rick Perry leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “Well how about that!” she exclaimed to the hundreds gathered in downtown Farmersville to witness the ceremony in honor of America’s most decorated World War II soldier.

A crowd full of public officials and veterans broke out in applause at an act that reflected the small town Texas atmosphere Murphy grew up in. “I’ve overcome,” Nadine said. “I’m thankful to God that we can fly our flags and that we’re still free to do what we want to. Every man and woman who puts on a uniform for the United States is a hero to me.” The Texas Legislative Medal of Honor is the top military honor the state can award. It the legislature a couple years, and three sessions this year, to pass the bill that awarded the medal to Murphy, a Hunt County native. But people like Texas Representative Scott Turner, who authored the bill, and Dave Phillips, kept working to make it happen. “I love my country, and I love our servicemen and women,” Turner said. “I come from a military family, so when my staff and I received this opportunity (to author the bill), there was no doubt. I said ‘I’ll do it.’” Murphy, who died in a plane crash in 1971, was already the most decorated soldier in World War II, having earned such distinctions as the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars and three Purple Hearts. He served in the Texas National Guard from 1950-1966 and was also well known for his acting and music career. “For him to go off and serve our country so nobly, the courage that he mustered; a reflection of Texas values that we all hold up and support,” Perry said. “We relish to tell our friends from other places what Audie Murphy and Texas are all about. It’s a privilege to live in a state with men and women like Audie Murphy.” An inspiration to both civilians and military servicemen and women for generations, Murphy’s legacy is reflected often in Hunt County, including the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum in Greenville, the annual Audie Murphy Days celebration in Farmersville and the Audie Murphy Memorial Park in Celeste. “To have Audie Murphy call Farmersville his hometown is just incredible,” Mayor Jon Helmberger said. “We’re honored to have the celebration here today.” A large number of state officials and veterans attended the event. The 36th Infantry Division Band from Camp Mabry provided the music and Collin County Judge Keith Self acted as the master of ceremonies. Helmberger, Turner, and Texas’ top military officer Maj. Gen. John Nichols all spoke at the event. The Farmersville VFW Post 7426 posted and retired the colors. “They say no one is dead until they are forgotten,” Nadine said. It looks like Murphy has quite a few more years to go.

Texas MoH:

And they are trying to get him this: The Presidential Medal of Freedom:

Something I enhanced about Audie Murphy:


Most of the info here are by various Authors and also from the: Audie Murphy Research Foundation 18000 Saratoga Way Suite 516 Santa Clarita, California 91357. 805-251-8432. Audie Leon Murphy was one of 433 men in WWII to get the Medal of Honor. 39 of these men were from the 3rd Infantry Division-known as the "Rock of the Marne" and the: "Blue and White Devils" Of the original 235 men of Company "B", only two men remained till the end of the war-Audie Murphy and a Supply Sergeant-the rest were either killed in action or wounded in action and sent home.

The 3rd Infantry Division spent a total of 532 days in Combat and these days do not include the total days on the front lines or in a combat zone. During the course of the war, the 3rd Infantry Division suffered over 34,000 casualties, more than any other U.S. Army Division in WWII. Audie Murphy enlisted in the Army (after having an affidavit signed by his older Sister granting him permission to do so) in the Greenville, Texas Post Office. At the time of his enlistment, Audie weighed 110 pounds and stood at 5 feet 5 inches tall. During the war, Murphy would grow to about 5 feet 10 inches and would weigh about 160 pounds. Audie Murphy was killed in a plane crash with 5 other people in Virginia on: May-28-1971-while scouting possible locations for a movie. Besides doing 44 movies, and a TV series lasting 26 episodes called: Whispering Smith, (now on DvD) he also wrote 17 Country and Western Songs. When John Wayne was gathering the cast to make The Alamo, it was first thought that Audie Murphy should be in it as Col. William Barrett Travis. In a separate movie about the Alamo, Audie was thought of for the role of: Daniel William Cloud-a 21 year old Kentuckian.

Murphy was born on: June-20-1923 near Kingston, Texas (and always in error is listed as being born in Farmersville, Texas-which is near San Antonio, Texas) Murphy is credited with killing at least 241 enemy soldiers during his combat time in WWII-the first two were Italian Soldiers. Audie Murphy spent his entire WWII career in the 2nd Platoon of "B" Company, 1st Battalion, 15th infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. Murphy's most famous stand in WWII was on: January 26-1945. This is when he climbed aboard a burning M-10 Tank Destroyer (NOT a Sherman Tank as shown in error in his Biopic: To Hell and Back) and fought off six Tiger Tanks and two reinforced Rifle Companies-which many consider today-the most famous Medal of Honor act in WWII. The real reason behind his stand, was because he was the last ditch defense against the attacking German force-which could have possibly encircled and broke through, the 15th infantry Regiment.

Most of the following is by: Phillip T. Washburn. Murphy's combat career began on the Anzio Beachhead during some of the toughest fighting that the 2nd Platoon, Company "B" 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division would ever see. Murphy's 1st Bronze Star came on March 2nd-1944, when he left his squad behind-crawled to within 15 yards of a disabled Tiger tank. After throwing two Molotov Cocktails at it (some say they detonated some say they did not) he threw a grenade inside the Tiger and then also destroyed it using a Grenade Launcher-by destroying the tanks treads. Murphy's Oak Leaf Cluster was added on May-8-1944, as a result of many hazardous patrols Murphy led at Anzio-which was for "Exemplary conduct in ground combat." Murphy's Distinguished Service Cross came on August-15-1944, when he landed in France. Murphy liked to "work" alone, but this time he agreed to let his friend: Lattie Tipton help-at Tipton's insistance. Operating alone on an enemy-fortified hill, Murphy first killed two Germans in close combat, then started a series of duels with foxhole occupants. After he ran out of ammo-Murphy goes back down hill to get a Light Machine Gun, from a squad that was pinned down and that refused to move. Murphy takes the gun and crawls back up hill and cleans out the foxholes. Tipton joins him and immediately kills two Germans with two shots-after they shoot off part of his (the upper part) ear. Tipton after killing two more defenders, stands up to accept what appears to be a German surrender, and is immediately gunned down. He was Murphy's best friend (the character that Charles Drake played in: To Hell and Back: was "Tipton") [Murphy: "I remember the experience as I do a nightmare. A demon seems to have entered my body."] Murphy kills two more Germans with a grenade & finds the gun crew that faked the surrender that killed Tipton. Murphy kills them all & does not stop firing till his weapon is empty. He then grabbed an enemy MG, firing from the hip, he charges the enemy stronghold and wipes out all the remaining defenders.

Murphy's Citation reads: "His extraordinary heroism resulted in the capture of a fiercely contested enemy held hill and the capture of the entire enemy garrison." [Info from the Audie Murphy Research Foundation indicates: Murphy actually killed all the German Soldiers on that hill as none surrendered.] In about a 3 week period in Oct 1944, Murphy earned two Silver Stars and was wounded for the 2nd of three times and also received a battlefield commission. Silver Star 1 & 2. Murphy's 1st Silver Star Came on October-2-1944, when he single-handedly rescued an ambushed patrol (the Lt. Col. Ware patrol) by killing all eight ambushers near Cleurie Quarry, France. Silver Star nr 2 came three days later on October 5th, when Murphy, alone, crawled 50 yards under a severe enemy machine gun and rifle fire, to a point 200 yards from a strongly entrenched enemy. For an hour, Murphy directed Artillery fire upon the enemy killing 15 Germans and inflicting 35 other casualties. Sniper Stalking Murphy. During October, as throughout 1944 and 1945, Murphy continued to stalk and kill snipers. He did not allow snipers to kill his men without revenge. Murphy out-dueled with little or no fanfare, "And the snipers had high-powered scopes while he had his trusted Carbine with a wired stock broken right in his hand by a mortar round-which was how he got his 1st Purple Heart on September 15-1944. The 2nd Purple Heart came on: October-26-1944, where he escaped sure death by wielding his Carbine like a Pistol to kill the sniper that had just shot him in the hip (this is the wound that had the exit through his buttocks and is NOT, like what was shown in the movie.) He was trying to recover from that serious wound when he fought the Battle of the Colmar Pocket near Holtzwihr, France. Holtzwihr and his earning of the Medal of Honor.

The temperature was near zero, when his Company was ordered to hold the only road the enemy could use to threaten the American position.The fighting was so furious on January 25th, that all officers except Murphy had been killed and 102 of 120 men had been killed or wounded, before they even reached their assigned positions on the edge of the woods. Murphy the lone surviving officer, was wounded but kept going. He took over command of the company. That night, two more M-10 Tank Destroyers from the attached: 601st Tank Destroyer Battalion[/u joined Murphy and his now depleted 18 man company while it turned even colder. The next afternoon, the Germans attacked right at Murphy's position with six [u]Tiger Tanks and at least 250 Infantrymen or two reinforced rifle companies. The T.D's which had open turrets and were built on a Sherman chassis-could not damage the German armor but the Tigers 88s quickly KO'ed one of the T.D.s and the other got stuck in a ditch while trying to improve its firing position-a move that rendered its gun useless. Murphy did what he always seemed to do, he ordered his men back to cover while he stayed. Alone again, except for his field phone, map and carbine. Murphy realized: "Somebody had to hold that road." The only way to do so was by directing Artillery fire, and that was a one man job." Using his map and phone, he directed and corrected the barrage as he employed his carbine at the closing Infantry. As the tanks and riflemen closed in, along with the artillery that Murphy himself self-directed, he refused to budge. He then made that forever changed his life. He climbed onto that burning 31 ton Tank Destroyer and employed its .50 caliber machine gun on the attacking German Infantry, all the while continuing to direct artillery almost on top of his position. At one point, when the officer on the other end of the phone asked how close was the enemy? Murphy replies: "Hold the phone, and i'll let you talk to one of the *******s." Another time when the officer thought Murphy might be dead, asked if he was still there? Murphy asked him: "And, what are your plans after the war?"

The battle raged and Murphy continued to fight an enemy that sometimes was only 10 yards away. One thing that confused the Germans, was that none of them could locate Murphy because they never believed that anyone could be on that burning time bomb. Luckily, smoke form burning Diesel fuel, covered his position. Even the enemy tank commanders kept away from that burning Tank Destroyer-thinking that it would blow up at any minute. Three more 88 rounds hit the T.D-while Murphy fired away for an hour without receiving a single wound. Finally the Germans gave up. They could not dislodge the determined American and retreated. Just seconds after Murphy got down and headed for the woods, the tank destroyer exploded. (It remained at that spot for years after the war.) After vacating the T.D, Murphy joined his unit and led a successful counterattack. Reports vary, but most agree that Murphy killed at least 50 of the enemy that day, some accounts go up to 100. Overall, Murphy is credited with killing 241 enemy soldiers during WWII. He stayed with his unit till the end of the war.

Bullets missed him by inches. Countless duels were won. Audie Leon Murphy's life story ended in an airplane crash near Roanoake, Virginia on: May-28-1971. He was buried in Arlington national Cemetary with full military honors. Audie served in: North Africa, through Sicily, Salerno, Anzio, Southern France and in Germany. The Rescue of the Lt Col. Ware Patrol. Lt. Col Keith L. Ware-Medal of Honor Recipient of WWII as well as was K.i.A-in Vietnam. Ware was one of the men that Murphy rescued from an ambush at Cleurie Rock Quarry, France. Lt. Col. Ware was the 1st Battalion Exec Officer who joined the small patrol that was probing the German lines when he and the others were helplessly pinned down by machine gun and rifle fire. Staff Sergeant Murphy, who was not part of the patrol, had recognized the danger and secretly followed behind about 25 yards. "I figured those gentlemen were going to run into trouble; so I tagged along---to watch the stampede." (He told a newspaper columnist/friend David McClure years later) As the German machine-gunner was about to finish off Ware and the patrol, Murphy stepped into the open just 8 yards from the enemy. Murphys famous luck was with him as the enemy gun barrel caught some brush as it swung around. Murphy finished off all eight ambushers with two grenades and his Carbine in less than 30 seconds. That earned him his 1st Silver Star, but a modest Murphy failed to even mention that incident in his autobiography "To Hell and Back," 3 days later, Murphy would be credited with inflicting 50 more enemy casualties in a single engagement and earn his 2nd Silver Star. (the Artillery barrage event)

Along on one of his dangerous sniper hunts, Ware was witness to Murphy out-dueling a sniper and capturing a prized high-powered rifle and scope. Ware never forgot the sharpshooting boyish Texan who saved his life. In 1964, as a Brigadier General, he said: "Audie Leon Murphy was without a doubt, the finest Soldier I have ever known in my entire military career." And Ware knew what courage was. When one of his assault companies was stopped and forced to dig in on January -26-1944, Ware personally went to get them moving. Ware exposed himself to heavy German Artillery, Mortar, Machine-gun and Rifle fire for two hours while scouting a fortified hill 150 yards beyond friendly lines. He then went back to the American lines. He armed himself with a B.A.R, and led a small group in attacking the enemy stronghold. He took out four German machine-gun positions and an undetermined number of enemy casualties. Murphy went on to become the most decorated and most highly-decorated soldier of WWII, have a long movie career and wrote 17 songs.

Ware went on to receive the Medal of Honor for his January-26th exploit in WWII and later fought in one of the greatest battles of the Vietnam War. There is a 10-foot tall Bronze Statue of Murphy-which sts on top of a 5 foot tall Granite-Marble base-and is based on a photo of Murphy from: To Hell an Back. You can see this statue as it is visible from Interstate 30 and includes info on his Military Career. This statue is in Greenville, Texas. Audie had 33 Decorations,Medals and Citations. During the war, Murphy rose from Private to 1st Lieutenant. After the war he continued his military career as a member of the Texas National Guard and the Army reserve-retiring with the rank of Major. Some of Audie's legacies include: having Schools, Roads, A V.A. Hospital and Burn Center, Monuments and numerous buildings on Military Bases named after him. The U.S Army today also has the: "Sergeant Audie Murphy Club" to honor its most distinguished soldiers. Murphy has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and is inducted into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. Mrs. Audie L. Murphy passed away on April-8-2010 at the age of 87. His Sons: Terry and James, survive as does his Sister Nadine. Audie's Civilian Award. The: U.S. Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal.

There is a current "push" to get him awarded the: Unites States Presidential Medal of Freedom. (see petition link above and here) Petition Presidential Medal of Freedom Petition for Audie Leon Murphy Audie Murphys Awards. A brief summary. Medal of Honor. Earned on: January-26-1945. Awarded on: June-2-1945 by: Lt. Gen. Alexander Patch "Earned by Audie Murphy for his heroism on January-26-1945 during the Battle of the Colmar Pocket, Holtzwihr, France. Distinguished Service Cross. Earned on: August-15-1944. Awarded on: March-5-1945 by: Major General William O'Daniel "Earned by Audie Murphy for action near Ramatuelle, France shortly after the 3rd Infantry Divisions Amphibious landing in Southern France." [Awarded for heroism not justifying the awarding of the Medal of Honor.] Silver Star Nr 1 & 2 Earned on: October-2-1944 & on: October-5-1944-respectively.

The first award was earned near Cleurie Rock Quarry, France "When Audie Murphy destroyed an Mg-emplacement that pinned down (the ambushed Ware) patrol. Earned three days later near Le Tholy, France when Audie Murphy crawled ahead of friendly lines to direct artillery fire on a strongly entrenched enemy. Legion of Merit. Awarded on: June-2-1945 by: Lt.Gen. Alexander Patch earned "For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services in Italy, France as well as Platoon Sergeant, Platoon Leader and Company Commander from: January-22-1944-to-February-18-1945." Bronze Star 1 & 2. Earned on: March-2-1944 and on May-6-1944 and "V" Device for Valor. Bronze Star Nr 1. Earned for heroism during the Anzio Beachhead invasion in Italy. Bronze Star Nr 2. Was earned when Audie Murphy crawled forward fo friendly lines to destroy a partly disabled enemy (Tiger Tank) tank, using Molotov cocktails and grenades. Purple Hearts 1-2-3 & two Oak Leaf Clusters. Earned on: September-15-1944, October-26-1944 & on: January-25-1945 (one day before Holtzwihr Stand) U.S. Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal. for: "Contribution of his professional services in the production of the Army motion picture "The Broken Bridge." Good Conduct Medal. Awarded on: May-8-1944 in Italy. Presidential Unit Citations 1-2 (Distinguished Unit Emblem) w/ Oak Leaf Cluster. First award went to: 1st battalion, 15th Infantry regiment. 2nd award went to: 3rd Infantry Division. The first award was earned for action seen by soldiers of 1-15 Infantry Battalion at Montelimar, France from August-27-29-1944. The second award was earned by the soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division from action seen at the Colmar Pocket, France from January-22-February-6-1945. American Campaign Medal. Earned for service within the American theater between December-7-1941 to March-2-1946, to those on permanent assignment outside the Continental United States and because of active combat against an enemy resulting in the awarding of a combat decoration and or certificate. European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal & Bronze Service Arrowhead with 1 Silver Battle Star (5 major campaigns) and 3 Bronze Stars for three more campaigns) Total-8 Campaigns. Tunisia, Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Anzio, Rome-Arno, Southern France, Rhineland, Central Europe. The Bronze Service Arrowhead was earned for participation of Amphibious landings in Sicily and Southern France. WWII Victory Medal. Awarded for Military Service between December-7-1941-to-December-31-1946. Army Occupation Medal w/ Germany Clasp. Awarded for 30 consecuative days service at a normal post of duty while assigned to the Army of Occupation between May-9-1945 & May-5-1955. Armed Forces Reserve Medal. Awarded to Military Personnel whose reserve component service has been primarily in the organized reserve in the National Guard. Service must be honorable for a period of 10 years within a 12 year consecuative year period of time. Combat Infantry Badge. Awarded on May-8-1944 in Italy (should have been awarded to him at least a year earlier) for: Satisfactorily performing infantry duties while assigned to an infantry unit while personally and actively engaged in ground combat and under hostile fire. Marksmanship Badge. Awarded on: September 1942, while doing Basic Training at Camp Wolters, Texas. Expert Marksmanship Badge/Bayonet. Awarded: September-1942 at Camp Wolters, Texas. French Fourragere w/ the colors of the Croix de Guerre. This French award was awarded on: February-20-1945 by: General Jean de Latter de Tassigny-when pinned to the 3rd I.D's colors. Awarded by France to US Army service members for heroism or exceptionally meritorious service in direct support of military operations during the Battle of the Colmar Pocket. French Legion of Honor-Chevalier. Awarded on: July-19-1948 by: General de Lattre de Tassigny. Presented to Audie Murphy when he visited France in 1948. French Croix de Guerre w/ Silver Star. Awarded on: April-16-1945 by: Brigadier General W.A. Collier. Presented to Audie Murphy in Dallas, Texas for: "Exceptional service rendered in the course of operations in the liberation of France." French Croix de Guerre w/ Palm. Awarded on: July-1-9-1948 by: de Latter de Tassigny. Belgian: Croix de Guerre 1940 w/ Palm. Awarded on: December-10-1955 for: "Exceptional acts of bravery facing the enemy during WWII." Medal of Liberated France. Awarded in 1947. References to his movie are by me as well as bits and pieces of info. More will be added later.

I'm Netflixing to hell and back. Should be in the mail soon.
It's great to hear about a true hero that's has my height. I have a thicker build then he does. But it's annoying how man kind glorifies tall people. I read people over 5'8 has problems making through military training, like seal training. Onto of that, tall people are bigger targets.
One of Marcus Luttrell instructor's was 5'6.

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Fear only God

Or if you like to own? WM often has the dvd for $5 bucks.

Hollywood started that bit of dirt glorifying tall people. They seem to be stuck on 6ft 4 inches for leading men for some reason?

I still find it amazing that he accomplished all those heroic feats at the ripe old age of 19. What a generation that was!

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Why duck?? It's a 9mm!

"To Hell and Back" was the first movie I remembered seeing. (I think it was at the drive in). Made a big impression on me, I think it was one of the reasons I joined the Army.

Any recommended books on the subject? The internet is not always reliable?

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Fear only God

Here is Audie's web site.

Audie L. Murphy Memorial Website

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

I'm not sure of his height, but I know he was quite short. He was at Ft. Leonard Wood when I graduated from basis training in 1960. He was in the reviewing stand .

There is a guy on you tube that does videos on famous people. Title is something like "What ever happened to ...........". He did a really nice piece on Audie. Lots of footage of his museum in his hometown and they spliced in parts of "To Hell and Back" when talking about his military exploits.

You might try searching youtube.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

I always liked "Night Passage" with Audie and Jimmy Stewart.

Taking a river cruise on the Rhine River in April. One of the day trips is to the site where Audie Murphy won his Medal of Honor. I plan to go.

If you are ever in SW Virginia near Roanoke, you can hike up on Brushy Mountain where he died in the plane crashed and visit the memorial there.

The most decorated Vietnam Veteran didn't get the MOH-but wow-take a look at Lt. David A. Christian on wickepedia.