Rick Perry Awards Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to Audie Murphy

A notable award has been given posthumously to a war hero and actor.

On Tuesday, Texas Governor Rick Perry awarded the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor posthumously to Audie Murphy, the most highly decorated American soldier of World War II.

Murphy, a Kingston, Texas native, joined the Army infantry in 1942 and began combat as a private in Italy in July 1943 when the 3^rd Infantry Division invaded Sicily. Murphy subsequently took part in the landing at Salerno, the Volturno River Campaign, the landing at Anzio, and the march on Rome.

Murphy earned 28 medals before he turned 21 years old, including several from France and Belgium, for his courageous actions in combat during World War II.

He then joined the Texas National Guard in 1950 after the outbreak of the Korean War, eventually attaining the rank of major. Murphy transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve until he was killed in a plane crash in 1971 just prior to his 46^th birthday.

In addition to the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor, Murphy has also been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, and three Purple Hearts.

“More than four decades since his untimely passing, Audie Murphy lives on in the hearts and memories of a generation of Americans,” said Perry. “He personifies the traits that led America to victory in the Second World War and on other battlefields around the globe. Audie Murphy remains a shining example for anyone who believes in the importance of service, for generations now and into the future.”

Perry’s complete remarks are available here.