Today In History; Audie Murphy, Soldier, Actor and Poet

1924: Audie Murphy, the most decorated American soldier of World War II, was born in Kingston, Texas. Murphy received 33 awards and decorations, among which was the Medal of Honor. After his release from the service in 1945, Murphy went to Hollywood to pursue an acting career. Among some of his best known films are The Red Badge of Courage and To Hell and Back , a film based on his highly acclaimed autobiography that was published in 1949. Murphy also established himself as a poet and songwriter, achieving some success in both.