American Valor Quarterly Issue 10 - Summer 2013 | Page 8

Audie Murphy Award
For distinguished service in the United States military during World War II
The most decorated soldier of World War II, Audie Leon Murphy was born to Texas sharecroppers in 1924. He joined
the Army as a private in 1942, shortly after his 18th birthday. Throughout his three years of active service, Murphy fought
with the 3rd Infantry Division in nine major campaigns in the European Theatre. He received every medal the Army had
to offer including two Silver Stars and three Purple Hearts. He received the Medal of Honor for his valor repel