Since the earliest days of statehood, Texans have answered the call of duty to defend the United States and protect its interests. From the War with Mexico to the current conflict in the Balkans, the Lone Star State has produced its share of military heroes, none more celebrated and decorated than Audie Leon Murphy.
Born June 20, 1924 near Kingston in Hunt County, Murphy was the son of poor tenant farmers. As a boy, he learned to hunt to put food on the family table. He became an expert shot, a skill that would help him later in life. Shortly after his 18th birthday, Murphy enlisted in the Army. Assigned to Company B, 15th Regiment, Third Infantry Division, he took part in the invasions of Sicily and southern France, earning a Bronze Star Medal, a Silver Star and the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery in battle.
Murphy quickly rose through the ranks, progressing from private to second lieutenant by the end of 1944. In late January of 1945, German infantry and tanks attacked his company near Holtzwihr, in northeast France. Murphy ordered his men to fall back while he remained at a forward command post calling in fire instructions to his artillery. As the enemy closed in on him, Murphy climbed aboard a burning tank destroyer and used its .50-caliber machine gun against them. He was alone, atop a vehicle that could have exploded at any moment, but his constant fire caused the enemy attack to falter. Ignoring a leg wound, Murphy continued shooting until his ammunition ran out. He then made his way to his company, refused medical attention and organized a counterattack that forced the Germans to withdraw. For this amazing act of heroism, Murphy was awarded the Medal of Honor. In all, he received more than 30 medals – including three Purple Hearts and the Croix de Guerre of both Belgium and France – making him the most decorated American combat soldier of World War II.
After his discharge, Murphy continued to serve his state and country, rising to the rank of major in the Texas National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserves. His memoirs, To Hell and Back (1949) became a best seller. Murphy’s hero status and boyish good looks led to a career in Hollywood, where he made more than 40 films, most notably The Red Badge of Courage (1951) and the film version of To Hell and Back (1955). He died in a plane crash in 1971 and was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
On what would have been his 75th birthday, I encourage all Texans to honor the memory of Audie Murphy. His character and courage represent the best our state has to offer, and he remains a hero and an inspiration to us all.
Therefore, I, George W. Bush, Governor of Texas, do hereby declare June 20, 1999,
AUDIE MURPHY DAY
| in Texas, and urge the appropriate recognition whereof. In official recognition whereof, I hereby affix my signature this 9th day of June, 1999. |
