Audie L. Murphy-Legacy

 

• The Audie Murphy Patriotism Award is named in honor of Murphy. The award is annually presented to an outstanding American person or group who exemplifies the true 'Spirit of America'.
• A veterans hospital in San Antonio, Texas was dedicated on November 17, 1973. It was named Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital. There is a eight foot bronze statue of Murphy in battle fatigues holding a rifle with a bayonet. Inside the hospital is a museum that contains items of  Murphy's like his uniform, other clothing, books, and pictures.
• The U.S. Army established the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club at Fort Hood, Texas in early 1986. The elite membership group recognizes noncommissioned officers (Sergeants) that exemplified the abilities and personal ethics of Audie Murphy. The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club spread throughout the Army in 1994 to installations retaining their own selection process for their noncommissioned officers.
• Then Governor George W. Bush declared June 20 (Murphy's birthday) as "Audie Murphy Day".
• The U.S. Highway 69 North was renamed "The Audie Murphy Memorial Highway". The renaming was the stretches of the North Greenville city limits to the Fannin County line of the highway.
• In 1996, Murphy was inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
• An annual celebration of Audie and other veterans in all branches of service has been held at the American Cotton Museum on the weekend closest to Murphy's birthday in Greenville and Farmersville. The museum has the largest collection of Audie Murphy memorabilia. Also recently the American cotton Museum has been renamed the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum.
• In 2000, a portrait of Audie Murphy was placed on a thirty-three cent postage stamp.
• In Fort Hood, Texas, there is a middle school named in Audie Murphy's honor called Audie Murphy Middle School.  

 

Links to the rest of the segment of Audie L. Murphy.

A Tribute To Audie L. Murphy

Audie L. Murphy-Early Life

Audie L. Murphy-Film Career

Audie L. Murphy-Music Career

Audie L. Murphy-Personal Life

Audie L. Murphy-Military Service And Battles

Audie L. Murphy-Post War Illness

Audie L. Murphy-Death

Audie L. Murphy-Living Legend Status

Audie L. Murphy-Living Legend Status

 

Image via Wikipedia

 

     Audie was credited with destroying six tanks, killing over 240 German soldiers, and capturing many of the enemy. Murphy was a legend within his Division by the end of World War 2.

     Murphy's U.S. decorations were the medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Two Silver stars, the Legion of Merit, two bronze stars with Valor device, and three Purple Hearts (all from genuine combat wounds).

     Murphy participated in campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany. Denoted by his European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one silver battle, four bronze battle stars, and a bronze arrowhead.

     During the French campaign, Murphy was awarded two Presidential Citations, one from the 3rd Infantry Division and the other from the 15th Infantry Division during the Holtzwihr action.

     France award Murphy with the Legion of Honor (Grade of Chevilier and two Croix de Guerre medals).

     From Belguim, Murphy was awarded the Croix de Guerre 1940 Palm.

     Murphy was also award the Combat Infantaryman Badge.

     Murphy retun from Europe a month after Germany's surrender to a hero's welcome in Texas. There were parades, banquets, and speeches in his honor.

     Murphy gained national wide recognition, appearing on the cover of the July 16, 1945 issue of Life Magazine.

     After the Korean War broke out, Murphy joined the Texas National Guard (the 36th Infantry Division). His division was never called for combat. When Murphy left the Guard in 1966, his rank was Major.

 

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A Tribute To Audie L. Murphy

Audie L. Murphy-Early Life

Audie L. Murphy-Film Career

Audie L. Murphy-Music Career

Audie L. Murphy-Personal Life

Audie L. Murphy-Military Service And Battles

Audie L. Murphy-Post War Illness

Audie L. Murphy-Death

Audie L. Murphy-Legacy

Audie L. Murphy-Death

     On May 28, 1971, just after noon, Murphy was killed when his private plane crashed into Brush Mountain near Catawba, Virginia. His pilot and four other passengers were killed also.

     In 1974, a large granite memorial marker was put near the crash site.

     On June 7, 1971, Murphy was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with a full honor ceremony. The official U.S. representative at the ceremony was George H. W. Bush, who was also a World War 2 veteran.

     Audie L. Murphy's gravesite is the second most-visited gravesite after that of President John F. Kennedy.

 

Links to the rest of the segment of Audie L. Murphy.

A Tribute To Audie L. Murphy

Audie L. Murphy-Early Life

Audie L. Murphy-Film Career

Audie L. Murphy-Music Career

Audie L. Murphy-Personal Life

Audie L. Murphy-Military Service And Battles

Audie L. Murphy-Post War Illness

Audie L. Murphy-Living Legend Status

Audie L. Murphy-Legacy

Audie L. Murphy-Post War Illness

     After Murphy came back from the war, he suffered from Post-traumatic stress disorder. He suffered from bouts of depression, insomnia, and nightmares.

     For a time during the 1960's, Murphy became depended on sleeping pills called Placidyl. The Placidyl were doctor prescribed. When he recognized his addiction to the sleeping pills, he shut himself in a motel room for a week to take himself off the pills. Murphy got himself off the pills.

     Murphy broke the taboo about publicly speaking of war related illnesses in an effort to draw attention to the problems of Korean and Vietnam War veterans. He spoke out about his own problems with PTSD. He called on the U.S. government to give consideration and study to the emotional impact that combat experiences have on veterans, to extend health care benefits to address PTSD and other mental problems suffered on returning war veterans.  

 

Links to the rest of the segment of Audie L. Murphy.

A Tribute To Audie L. Murphy

Audie L. Murphy-Early Life

Audie L. Murphy-Film Career

Audie L. Murphy-Music Career

Audie L. Murphy-Personal Life

Audie L. Murphy-Military Service And Battles

Audie L. Murphy-Death

Audie L. Murphy-Living Legend Status

Audie L. Murphy-Legacy

Audie L. Murphy-Military Service And Battles

Murphy tried to enlist in the military after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He was rejected for being underage. (He was 15 years

old at the time.) Shortly after Murphy's 16th birthday, his sister, Corrine, adjusted his birth date on his birth certificate to where he would appear to be 18 and legally allowed to enlist in the military. Murphy was accepted into the United States Army.

Murphy was sent to Camp Walters, Texas for basic training the to Fort Meade, Maryland for advanced infantry training after basic.

In early 1943, Murphy was sent to Casablanca, Morocco as a replacement in Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. He saw no action in Morocco except in training maneuvers with his Division. Murphy finally saw combat on July 10, 1943 when his Division was sent to liberate Sicily. Murphy was promoted to Corporal soon after killing two Italian officers as they tried to escape. After a while in Sicily, Murphy contracted Malaria, an illness which sent him to the hospital during his Army years.

Murphy distinguished himself many times in combat while in Italy. It earned promotions and decorations of valor.

On August 15, 1944, the 3rd Division entered Southern France. Shortly afterwards, Murphy's best friend, Lattie Tipton, was killed by a German soldier. Murphy went into a rage and single handedly wiped out the German machine gun crew that killed his friend. Afterwards, he used the German machine gun on nearby enemy positions.

Murphy was promoted to Staff Sergeant, he was wounded in the hip and spent 10 days recovering. Upon returning to his unit, he became company commander.

On January 26, 1945, the battle at Holtzwihr began with Murphy's unit's strength of 19 out of 128. He sent his men to the rear while he took pot shots at the Germans until he ran out of ammunition. He proceeded to an abandoned, burning tank (U.S.), using its machine gun on the German infantry. Murphy was wounded in the leg during heavy fire, he kept on firing. Murphy stopped when his telephone line to the artillery fire direction center was cut. Murphy's remaining men came forward and hi directed his men in a counter attack. They drove the enemy away from Holtzwihr.

Murphy was removed from the front lines afterwards and made a liaison officer until June when he went back home.

 

Links to the rest of the segment of Audie L. Murphy.

A Tribute To Audie L. Murphy

Audie L. Murphy-Early Life

Audie L. Murphy-Film Career

Audie L. Murphy-Music Career

Audie L. Murphy-Personal Life

Audie L. Murphy-Post War Illness

Audie L. Murphy-Death

Audie L. Murphy-Living Legend Status

Audie L. Murphy-Legacy

Audie L. Murphy-Personal Life

     In 1945, Murphy married Wanda Hendrix. They divorced in 1951.

     After wards, Murphy married former airline stewardess, Pamela Archer. Murphy and Pamela had two children, Terrance Michael "Terry" Murphy and James Shannon "Skipper" Murphy. Murphy's sons were named after two of his friends, Terry Hunt and James "Skipper" Cherry.

     Murphy was a successful actor, businessman, and rancher. He owned ranches in Texas, Tucson, Arizona, and Menifee, California.

     Murphy became interested in Freemasonry in 1955. He was encourage by his friend, James Cherry, to join the Masonic Order in California. Murphy became a member of the 32nd Scottish Rite Mason and shriners upon his return to Texas. He was active in various Masonic events and was a member in good standing for the rest of his life.

 

Links to the rest of the segment of Audie L. Murphy.

A Tribute To Audie L. Murphy

Audie L. Murphy-Early Life

Audie L. Murphy-Film Career

Audie L. Murphy-Music Career

Audie L. Murphy-Military Service And Battles

Audie L. Murphy-Post War Illness

Audie L. Murphy-Death

Audie L. Murphy-Living Legend Status

Audie L. Murphy-Legacy

Audie L. Murphy-Music Career

     Murphy was also successful as a country music songwriter. He teamed up with musicians and composers as Guy Mitchell, Jimmy Bryant, and Scott Turner to name a few.

     Murphy's songs were sung and released by performers as Dean Martin, Charley Pride, Jimmy Bryant, Eddy Arnold, and Roy Clark.

     His two biggest hits were 'Shutters and Boards' and 'When the Wind Blows in Chicago'.

 

Links to the rest of the segment of Audie L. Murphy.

A Tribute To Audie L. Murphy

Audie L. Murphy-Early Life

Audie L. Murphy-Film Career

Audie L. Murphy-Personal Life

Audie L. Murphy-Military Service And Battles

Audie L. Murphy-Post War Illness

Audie L. Murphy-Death

Audie L. Murphy-Living Legend Status

Audie L. Murphy-Legacy

Audie L. Murphy-Film Career

     James Cagney upon seeing Murphy's photo on the cover of Life Magazine, sense Murphy as star potential. James Cagney invited Murphy to Hollywood in September, 1945. Despite Cagney's expectations, Murphy had a tough time of it. Murphy was disillusioned from the lack of work. He was frequently broke and slept on the floor of a gymnasium his friend Terry Hunt owned. Eventually he started to receive token parts in the films 'Beyond Glory', and 'Texas, Brooklyn and Heaven'.

     Murphy's third movie, 'Bad Boy'(1949), Gave him his first leading role. Murphy got the lead role because Texas theater owners were financing the film and wanted Murphy in the lead role.

     He starred in the movie 'The Red Badge of Courage' (1957). The movie was an adaption of Stephen Crane's novel of the same title.

     Murphy played himself in a film version of his book 'To Hell and Back', which was about his days in World War 2. This movie was Universal's highest-grossing movie until 1975 film 'Jaws' came out.

     In 1959, Murphy starred in 'No Name on the Bullet'. Murphy portrayed a villain, who managed to stay within the law.

 

Links to the rest of the segment of Audie L. Murphy.

A Tribute To Audie L. Murphy

Audie L. Murphy-Early Life

Audie L. Murphy-Music Career

Audie L. Murphy-Personal Life

Audie L. Murphy-Military Service And Battles

Audie L. Murphy-Post War Illness

Audie L. Murphy-Death

Audie L. Murphy-Living Legend Status

Audie L. Murphy-Legacy

Audie L. Murphy-Early Life

     Audie L. Murphy was born in Kingston, Texas to Emmett Berry and Josie Bell Murphy. Murphy was the sixth born of twelve children. (Only nine survived up to the age of eighteen.) His brothers and sisters were Corrine, Charles, Emmett (Buck), Vernon, June, Oneta, J.W., Richard, Eugene, Nadine, Billie, and Joseph Murphy.

     Murphy went to school in Celeste until he reached the eighth grade. He dropped out of school to help support his family because his father had deserted them. He worked for a dollar a day, plowing and picking cotton on any farm that would hire him. He also hunted small game to help feed his family. Murphy became quite skilled with a rifle.

     One of Murphy's hunting companions was Dial Henley. One day, Dial noticed Murphy never missed when he shot at squirrels, rabbits, and birds. Dial mentioned it to Murphy. Murphy's answer back to Dial was, "Well, Dial, if I don't hit what I shoot at, my family won't eat today."

    On May 23, 1941, Murphy's mother died. For awhile, Audie and Corrine kept the family together but was later forced to put their three younger siblings in an orphanage. Murphy reclaimed them after World War 2.

 

Links to the rest of the segment of Audie L. Murphy.

A Tribute To Audie L. Murphy

Audie L. Murphy-Film Career

Audie L. Murphy-Music Career

Audie L. Murphy-Personal Life

Audie L. Murphy-Military Service And Battles

Audie L. Murphy-Post War Illness

Audie L. Murphy-Death

Audie L. Murphy-Living Legend Status

Audie L. Murphy-Legacy

A Tribute To Audie L. Murphy

The Ballad Of Audie Murphy
By Wiley J. Smith 
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Just for interest sake, the clips on this video
are from 'To Hell And Back'. It was a biography movie
about Audie Murphy. As far as I know, Audie
Murphy was the only actor that played the role of

himself in any biography movie.

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Born:  June 10, 1926
           Kingston, TX
Died:  May 28, 1971
                                     Plane crash near Roanoke, VA
Links:  

Feel Free To Add This Banner To Your Web Site

Wikipedia-Audie L. Murphy
Answers.com-Audie Murphy
Audie Murphy: An American Hero

 

Links to the rest of the segment of Audie L. Murphy.

Audie L. Murphy-Early Life

Audie L. Murphy-Film Career

Audie L. Murphy-Music Career

Audie L. Murphy-Personal Life

Audie L. Murphy-Military Service And Battles

Audie L. Murphy-Post War Illness

Audie L. Murphy-Death

Audie L. Murphy-Living Legend Status

Audie L. Murphy-Legacy

Prison Break

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"Prison Break"
A clip from the 'The Red Skeleton Show'

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No comments except I don't own the rights to
this clip. This page was put up for evaluation and entertainment
purposes only. The rights go to the makers of
"The Red Skeleton Show", Red Skeleton, and
the TV station that put it on.

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The Ghost Riders of Neches River

     Farmers and cowboys were sworn enemies during the beginning of the range days. It was no wonder eight Texas cowboys herding 3000 head of cattle got mad when they saw a fence as far as the eye could see blocking their progress to Abilene, Kansas. It didn't help these eight cowboys deposition being sore and tired either.

     For a while, the cowboys muttered among themselves getting anger and anger. They started to dwell on the punishment they could inflict on the farmer.

     So when the farmer came out of his house near Neches River with a shotgun, the eight cowboys saw their chance to inflict punishment. The cowboys took their positions around the herd of cattle, quickly sent the cattle into a stampede.

     The farmer scurried about and ran towards his house. He made it inside and warned his wife and two children then ran back out of the house. The farmer shot at the raging cattle, heading towards him to give his family time to get away. He had emptied the two barrels of the shotgun before is trampled to death. The cattle stampeded through the house killing the farmer's wife and two kids.

     Not one of the eight Texas cowboys showed remorse for their heinous misdeed. As a matter of fact, the eight cowboys bragged about the incident to their compadres, laughing about it, and toasting their nasty deed to others in Abilene. They were hailed as heroes for a month among their confederates.

     But once the Texas cowboys crossed over into their home state, they were showed no mercy. They had dreams of angry bulls with burning eyes, saw the ghosts of the family they murdered. These rough and tough cowboys were turned to whimpering cowards and unable to work anymore on cattle drives. Of course, none of them lived long after their return to Texas. The cause of their death varied among the eight from gunfights to suicide. One had drunk himself to death. The last of the eight died in 1875.

     A strange thing happened after the last cowboy died of the eight. Ghost riders started to appear on the Neches River. "They came just as the sun was sinking low on the horizon, when the immense Texan sky was a scarlet-streaked dome and the Neches ran red like a river of blood to the southeast...The ground beneath began to rumble, and the whole landscape started to shake. Up above, on the southern horizon, a group of what looked to be thick red clouds suddenly appeared, moving north at great speed. In the span of a few seconds, the clouds were overhead and were no longer clouds but a herd of angry cattle, driven forward by 12 masked cowboys. They roared over the Neches River in a terrible rush, the whole landscape shaking in their wake. And then, in the next instant, they were gone. They vanished suddenly in the dim evening sky, leaving not a trace of their passing."*

     If you are wondering why I put this Texas folklore on a blog talking about actors, music, TV series, etc. it is because this folklore pertains to music. The ghost riders of Neches River was immortalized in 1915 by country singer Stan Jones in his classic song "Ghost Riders in the Sky".

     If you never heard the song, your in for a treat. Here is my favorite video of the song. Enjoy.

 

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*I found this story in 'Ghost Stories of the Old West' by Dan Asfar. The story is on pages 78-83. The words in parenthesis are the words of the author of the book. There was no way I was going to mess with the beautiful words that described the scene he wrote of the ghost riders.

Oh Lord, It's Hard To Be Humble by Mac Davis

Oh Lord, It's Hard To Be Humble By Mac Davis

Oh Lord it's hard to be humble

When you're perfect in every way.

I can't wait to look in the mirror

Cause I get better looking each day.

To know me is to love me

I must be a hell of a man.

Oh Lord it's hard to be humble

But I'm doing the best that I can.

I used to have a girlfriend

But she just couldn't compete

With all of these love starved women

Who keep clamoring at my feet.

Well I probably could find me another

But I guess they're all in awe of me.

Who cares, I never get lonesome

Cause I treasure my own company.

Oh Lord it's hard to be humble

When you're perfect in every way,

I can't wait to look in the mirror

Cause I get better looking each day

To know me is to love me

I must be a hell of a man.

Oh Lord it's hard to be humble

But I'm doing the best that I can.

I guess you could say I'm a loner,

A cowboy outlaw tough and proud.

I could have lots of friends if I want to

But then I wouldn't stand out from the crowd.

Some folks say that I'm egotistical.

Hell, I don't even know what that means.

I guess it has something to do with the way that

I Fill out my skin tight blue jeans.

Oh Lord it's hard to be humble

When you're perfect in every way,

I can't wait to look in the mirror

Cause I get better looking each day

To know me is to love me

I must be a hell of a man.

Oh Lord it's hard to be humble

But I'm doing the best that I can.

We're doing the best that we can

Here's To The Heroes

 

 

     I put this video up one because I liked it. Two, is to keep our military and Coast Guards in our prayers.

The Wild, Wild West To Old Western TV Series

The song on the video is 'The Wild, Wild West.

It is sung by Kool Moe Dee

Combat!-High Named Today

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Combat! Episode: High Named Today

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I don't own the rights to this video. All rights go to the makers and the TV stations of 'Combat'. The video is up for evaluation and entertainment purpose only. I am not making money from this.

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Combat! (TV Series)

     'Combat!' is an American television program that aired on ABC from 1962-1967. The exclamation point at the end of Combat is a stylized bayonet.

     Robert Pirosh created 'Combat!'. The TV series ran for five seasons. The first four seasons were in black and white. The final season was in color. The covered the lives of a squad of soldiers (King Company) in France during World War 2. The TV series lasted longer than the ground war in the European Theatre of Operations. Not to mention, King Company never made it out of France.

 

Cast:

• Rick Jason-2nd Lt. Gil Haney
• Vic Morrow-Sgt. Chip Saunders
• Pierre Jalbert-Pfc. Paul "Caje" Le May
• Jake Hogan-Pvt. William G. Kirby
• Dick Peabody-Pvt. "Littlejohn"
• Conlan Carter-"Doc" (seasons 2-5)
• Tom Lowell-Billy Nelson (seasons 1-2)
• Shecky Greene-Pvt. Braddock (season 1)
• Steven Rogers-"Doc" (seasons 1)
• Paul Busch-(played different parts, mostly German)

Honorable Mention

     Most of the cast members were World War 2 veterans.

     Navy

• Vic Morrow
• Jack Hogan
• Dick Peabody
• Shecky Green

     Army Air Corps

• Rick Jason

     Air Force

• Conlan Carter

 

Guest Stars:

• Ted Knight
• Frank Gorshin
• Lee Marvin
• James Coburn
• Richard Basehart
• Eddie Albert
• Nick Adams
• Randy Boone
• James Caan
• Leonard Nimoy
• Warren Spahn (Baseball Hall of Famer)
• Mike Farrell
• Beau Bridges
• Robert Duvall
• Charles Bronson
• Earnest Borgnine

Facts About The Show:

• 'Sgt. Saunders' Combat!' game by Super Famicom was based on the TV series.
• CBS Paramount Television inherited the TV series from ABC Films.

Links to Other Combat! Sites.

• Combat! Chronicles

 

*  If I missed anything your welcome to let me know on the comments.

Combat!-Lost Sheep, Lost Shepherd

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Combat!: Episode 'Lost Sheep, Lost Shepherd'

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I don't own the rights to this video. All rights go to the makers and the TV stations of 'Combat'. The video is up for evaluation and entertainment purpose only. I am not making money from this.

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Winds Of The Wasteland

I thought it would neat to share one of movie's John Wayne was in. This movie is called the title of this post. Enjoy.

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I put this section here for people who came from the tribute page I have up on my main website, "Midnight Angel's Place". Home will take you back to the tribute page of John Wayne on my main website. The other links will take you to the other segments about John Wayne.

Home

John Wayne-Early Life

John Wayne-Film Career

John Wayne-Personal Life

John Wayne-Politics

John Wayne-Military Conterversy

John Wayne-Death

John Wayne-Congressional Gold Medal and Presidential Medal of Freedom


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John Wayne-Congressional Gold Medal and Presidential Medal of Freedom

On May 26, 1979, John Wayne's status as an American icon became formally recognized by the United States Congress when he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. Hollywood figures and Americans from across the political spectrum testified to Congress why Wayne deserved the award. One of the most notable was Robert Aldrich, who stated "It is important for you to know that I am a registered Democrat and to my knowledge, share none of the political views espoused by Duke. However, whether he is ill disposed or healthy, John Wayne is far beyond the normal political sharp shooting in this community. Because of his courage, his dignity, his integrity, and because of his talents as an actor, his strength as a leader, his warmth as a human being throughout his illustrious career, he is entitled to a unique spot in our hearts and minds. In this industry, we often judge people , sometimes unfairly, by asking wether they have paid their dues. John Wayne has paid his dues over and over, and I'm proud to consider him a friend, and am very much in favor of my Government recognizing in some important fashion the contribution that Mr. Wayne has made."

Maureen O'Hara requested the words to be place on the medal. "John Wayne, American."

The medal was crafted by the United States Mint. One side of the medal is John Wayne riding on horseback. The other side a portrait of John Wayne with the words "John Wayne, American." The medal was present to Wayne's family on March 6, 1980 at the capitol of the United States. The medal is now at the John Wayne Museum in Winterset, Iowa.

On June 9, 1980, Wayne was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President Jimmy Carter.

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I put this section here for people who came from the tribute page I have up on my main website, "Midnight Angel's Place". Home will take you back to the tribute page of John Wayne on my main website. The other links will take you to the other segments about John Wayne.

Home

John Wayne-Early Life

John Wayne-Film Career

John Wayne-Personal Life

John Wayne-Military Conterversy

John Wayne-Death

Winds Of The Wasteland-This is a movie John Wayne starred in.

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