Born:20-06-1924, in Kingston, Texas, United States.
Died:28-05-1971, in Norfolk, Virginia, USA. In a plane crash at the age of 46.
Divorced from Wanda Hendrix (8.02.1949 - 14-04-1950)
Married until his death to Pamela Archer (23.04.1951 - 1971)
2 sons:Terry Michael (March 14, 1952) and James 'Skipper' (March 24, 1954)
Raised in a modest family of agricultural workers with ten children, Audie Leon Murphy enlisted in the infantry after short studies. He is considered one of the most decorated soldiers of the Second World War (around thirty medals including the Medal of Honor).
He made his first film "Beyond the Glory" in 1948 with Alan Ladd then his first personal success "Bad Boy" by Kurt Neumann. In the 1950s, he became a star appreciated by the public and toured with prestigious directors such as John Huston.
He played his own role in "L'Enfer Des Hommes" adapted from his book which recounted his exploits as a GI in Europe, but he had never recovered from this period of his life:legend had it that he always slept with a revolver under his pillow.
In 1970, he stood trial for the murder of a man in a saloon brawl, but was acquitted.
On May 28, 1971, he was killed with five other passengers in the crash of a private plane while he was traveling to Virginia on business.
His body is interred with military honors in Arlington National Cemetery (Washington D.C.).
Every year, on January 26 in the village of Holtzwihr in Alsace, a memorial in his memory at the place where he made his heroic action for the Medal of Honor. They commemorate this heroic gesture by laying a wreath. (Source of Patrick, resident of the village)
MAIN DECORATIONS:
Medal of Honor
Distinguished Service Cross
Silver Star
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
Légion d'honneur
1939-1945 War Cross with Palms