Audie Murphy earned national fame for his bravery during World War II, becoming the most decorated soldier in U.S. history. After the war, he started a new career in Hollywood, where he acted in numerous films—including one based on his own experiences in combat.
Here are nine surprising and little-known facts about this legendary soldier and actor.
He was rejected from the US Navy and Marine Corps
After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Audie Murphy was resolute in his determination to join the US military. Despite encountering multiple obstacles in his initial efforts to enlist in the Marine Corps, Navy, and Army—primarily due to his young age and low weight—Murphy’s resolve never wavered.
To overcome these challenges, Murphy enlisted his sister’s help in modifying his documents to make him appear older. With these adjusted records, he made another attempt to join the US Army, which was ultimately successful.
Murphy began his military journey at Camp Wolters in Texas, where he completed basic training and earned notable distinctions, including the Expert Badge with Bayonet Component Bar and the Marksman Badge with Rifle Component Bar. He then advanced to Fort Meade, Maryland, for further infantry training.
Audie Murphy single-handedly held off a company of German troops
In February 1943, Audie Murphy was deployed to the Mediterranean, where he engaged in action before being transferred to the European Theater – the setting of most of his wartime service. One particularly noteworthy incident during this period led to his receipt of the Medal of Honor.
By January 1945, Murphy was stationed in the Colmar Pocket with his platoon. Later relocated to Holtzwihr with the 3rd Infantry Division, they faced a German counterattack. Despite sustaining injuries, Murphy assumed command of Company B, prioritizing the safety of his men over his own well-being.
When the Germans ignited an M10 tank destroyer, Murphy directed his soldiers to retreat to the woods, away from enemy fire. Armed only with his M1 Carbine and a radio for artillery coordination, he climbed onto the armored vehicle and manned its .50-caliber machine gun, firing at the advancing troops for an hour and inflicting 50 casualties.
During this courageous act, Murphy sustained another injury to one of his legs. Undeterred by his wounds, he returned to his men and led a full-man charge against the German forces. Speaking about Murphy’s bravery, Pvt. Charles Owen recalled, “He saved our lives. If he hadn’t done what he did, the Germans would have annihilated us.”
The US Army changed how he viewed his name
During his younger years, Audie Murphy harbored a dislike for his first name. As a result, he often chose to use his middle name, Leon. His older sister had given him this name, not knowing its Latin meaning, “lion.” Interestingly, the name turned out to be appropriate, given Murphy’s extraordinary accomplishments during World War II.
It was when he joined the US Army that Murphy began to appreciate his first name. In the military, “Leon” was seen as a name from the countryside, so he started using the nicknames “Audie” or “Murph” for the rest of his life.
Awarded every US military combat award for valor – and then some
Audie Murphy holds the distinction of being the most decorated soldier in American history, a title that goes beyond symbolism – he genuinely earned each of the ones bestowed upon him.
Murphy was presented the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star with bronze oak leaf cluster, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with “V” Device, the Purple Heart with two bronze oak leaf clusters, the Presidential Unit Citation with First Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal and the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor.
In addition, he received several campaign medals, including the Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. Murphy also earned various badges, such as the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Marksman Badge with Rifle Component Bar and the Expert Badge with Bayonet Component Bar.
Remarkably, these are only the awards presented to him by the US military!
Murphy’s recognition extended beyond national borders, as he also received honors from both the French and Belgians. These international honors encompassed the French Legion of Honor – Grade of Chevalier (Knight), the French Croix de Guerre with Silver Star, the French Croix de Guerre with Palm, the Medal of a Liberated France, the Belgian Croix de Guerre with 1940 Palm and the French Fourragère in Colors of the Croix de Guerre.
Audie Murphy suffered from battle fatigue for the rest of his life
Audie Murphy was diagnosed with what was then called “battle fatigue,” now known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), after his service in World War II. When he returned home, he struggled with insomnia and depression, eventually seeking medical treatment.
A doctor prescribed him Placidyl, a strong sedative, but instead of helping, it led to an addiction. Realizing he had become dependent on the drug, Murphy chose to quit cold turkey. He locked himself in a motel room for a week to endure the withdrawal process without any medical assistance.
At a time when few people spoke about mental health, Murphy was open about his experiences. He especially advocated for veterans returning from the Korean and Vietnam Wars, urging the U.S. government to invest in research on the psychological effects of combat.
He wanted to make a movie about Desmond Doss’ military service
There was a time when Audie Murphy wanted to create a film about fellow Medal of Honor recipient Desmond Doss. Doss had earned the prestigious decoration for his heroic actions at Hacksaw Ridge during the Battle of Okinawa, risking his life to treat wounded comrades, even under relentless enemy fire. He ended up saving 75 men.
Hal B. Wallis, producer of Casablanca (1942), enlisted Murphy to persuade Doss to sell his story to Hollywood. However, he did not see himself as a hero and refused the offer, fearing his character might be misrepresented or compromised. It wasn’t until the release of Hacksaw Ridge in 2016 that Doss’s extraordinary bravery was finally brought to the big screen.
Audie Murphy portrayed himself in To Hell and Back (1955)
It’s rare for anyone to have a movie made about their life, and even more extraordinary to star as themselves in it. Audie Murphy is one of the few who accomplished this, playing his own role in the 1955 film To Hell and Back, based on the 1949 autobiography written by his friend David McClure.
To Hell and Back portrays Murphy’s World War II experiences and features a cast that includes Jack Kelly, Marshall Thompson, Charles Drake, Gregg Palmer, and Paul Picerni, among other notable actors. The film debuted on the anniversary of his discharge from the US Army and received mostly positive reviews.
Despite being poor, there were still products he wouldn’t promote
In his later years, Audie Murphy faced serious financial troubles. He lost several hundred thousand dollars in a failed oil investment in Algeria, and the IRS came after him for unpaid taxes.
Despite the pressure to make money, Murphy stayed true to his principles. Unlike many actors who might take any job to get back on their feet, he refused offers to appear in ads for cigarettes and alcohol. He didn’t want to promote anything that could set a bad example, especially for the young people who looked up to him.
Audie Murphy is buried at Arlington National Cemetery
On May 28, 1971, Audie Murphy lost his life when his private plane crashed into the side of a mountain in Roanoke, Virginia, while en route to a business engagement. On June 7, in recognition of his military service, he was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
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Given his status as both a famous actor and a decorated soldier, Murphy’s gravestone fast became a high-traffic area, becoming the second-most visited at Arlington, after that of President John F. Kennedy. The amount of visitors prompted the construction of a flagstone walkway, and those wishing to visit the gravesite can find it in Section 46, across from the Memorial Amphitheater.