[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 170 (Tuesday, December 3, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H7401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         AUDIE MURPHY RECEIVES TEXAS LEGISLATIVE MEDAL OF HONOR

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Hall) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the floor on a subject 
that Republicans and Democrats agree upon. Several of the other 
previous speakers have done so, and that is the idea of freedom for 
this country.
  But I also rise today to pay special attention and give tribute to 
one of our Nation's greatest World War II war heroes, Audie Murphy. 
Major Murphy, who hailed from the Fourth District of Texas--my 
district--was an extraordinary man in many ways. Initially turned away 
by several branches of the United States armed services due to his 
young age and his slight build, Audie Murphy's patriotism led him to 
misrepresent his age in order to serve and defend his country.
  This patriotism and his unusual courage in battle led him to 
distinction as the most decorated combat soldier of World War II, 
earning every U.S. military combat award for valor available from the 
United States Army, including the Medal of Honor, two Silver Stars, 
three Purple Hearts, and the Distinguished Service Cross. It is, 
therefore, fitting, though belated, that Major Murphy was awarded 
Texas' highest military honor, the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor, on 
October 29, 2013.
  Major Murphy earned his first Medal of Honor on January 26, 1945, in 
France. Six tanks and waves of Nazi infantry attacked his Company B, 
but Second Lieutenant Murphy remained at his command post throughout 
the fierce fighting. Although he suffered a leg wound, he continued to 
fight for more than an hour until his ammunition was exhausted and the 
enemy was in retreat.
  Audie Murphy did not stop where most men would on the battlefield, in 
fighting for his own life, or in fighting for his country. In fact, he 
lived out the remainder of his years after the war as an accredited 
writer, actor, and songwriter.
  Mr. Speaker, despite this prestige, it should be noted that he was 
also a man of deep modesty who considered himself ``just another man.'' 
He fought not because he loved war, but because he loved the values and 
freedoms we enjoy in America. He felt compelled to do his duty to his 
country. Audie Murphy represents some of the greatest qualities of a 
hero, including an unfailing sense of duty, a strong sense of 
patriotism, and a degree of modesty that recognizes the humble roots of 
this great country.
  We remember Audie Murphy because of his outstanding feats but also 
because he remains perhaps one of the truest examples of what it means 
to be American. I was proud to ride in many veterans parades with Audie 
Murphy and was pleased to know him as a personal friend. I also met his 
sisters. He was always loyal to his family and found time for them.
  As a Representative of the Fourth District of Texas, I am proud to 
call Audie Murphy's home my home as well. The folks in the Fourth 
District are pleased that the great State of Texas has given Major 
Murphy due recognition for his outstanding service to our country by 
awarding him the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering this great 
American, this great hero, and to thank him and his family for his 
service.

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