Collingwood Library

2LT Audie L. Murphy, USA

Audie Leon Murphy, son of poor Texas sharecroppers, rose to national fame as the most decorated U.S. combat soldier of World War II. He was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military award for bravery given to any individual by the United States for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty." He also received every decoration for valor that America had to offer, some of them more than once. He was awarded five decorations by France and Belgium.

Audi Murphy became a legend within the 3rd Infantry Division and quickly rose from Army Private to the rank of Staff Sergeant, and was then given a "battle field" commission as 2nd Lieutenant. He was wounded three times, fighting in nine major campaigns across the European Theater, and survived the war.