Audie Murphy

Murphy, Audie (1924–71), U.S. soldier and actor. The many medals he received for his gallantry in action during World War II (1939–45) made him the most highly decorated hero of the war. Born in rural Texas, he joined the army in 1942 and served in combat for the war's duration, rising from private to lieutenant. He was decorated several times for his bravery and received the highest military award, the Medal of Honor, for single-handedly holding off 6 German tanks and about 250 German soldiers. His popularity as a war hero led him to embark upon an acting career. The Red Badge of Courage (1951) and To Hell and Back (1955) were two of his most successful films. He died in a plane crash.

See also: World War II.