Not only was Audie Murphy a classic American actor, he as one of the most decorated WorldWar II veterans, as well as a courageous and selfless American hero, who saved the lives of many American troops under attack in France.
A hero is a person who displays courage, selflessness, humility, and patience, putting oneself before others. These were all qualities possessed by First Lieutenant Audie Murphy. As a lieutenant in the 3rd Infantry Division, Murphy played a huge role in the offensive plan to advance near Bois de Riedwihr, a large forest in the Colmar Pocket. Between the heavily fortified villages of Holtzwihr and Riedwihr, the Colmar Pocket was captured by the 30th Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, allowing the troops to reach the outskirts of Holtzwihr, but they encountered 10 tanks and destroyers along with at least 100 infantrymen. The devastating result caused the troops to withdraw. Tasked with the same mission of retaking the woods the next day, Murphy led his troops into another dangerous position. Using his smart wits and courageous mindset, Murphy defied all odds and led the troops to victory.
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Charles Owen recalled years after the attack, "He saved our lives. If he had not done what he did, the Germans would have annihilated us." But Murphy did not do this to save himself, he did it because he knew it needed to be done. Why put the lives of many men in danger when he could just get the job done himself? By the end of the war, Murphy had managed to obtain every medal of valor that his country had to ffer including two bronze stars, the Distinguished Service Cross, two silver stars, three Purple Hearts, and the Legion of Merit, all of which made him the most decorated American Soldier during World War II. For Murphy his most crowning achievement was the Medal of Honor. Murphy had a modest view of his own importance. He risked his life, for the lives of his troops, making humility a defining trait of
World War one saw many great airmen, but there were two that stood out among the rest; Captain Edward Rickenbacker and 2nd Lieutenant Frank Luke, Jr. These men both demonstrated courage and bravery that ultimately asked them for their life. Both men received the Congressional Medal of Honor for their deeds of bravery, as well as earning the title of Ace. An Ace is someone that has shot down at least five enemy planes. Rickenbacker was nicknamed “Ace of the Aces”, while Luke was the first of only two men to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. Luke honored his country through his actions. Frank Luke Jr demonstrated superior characteristics that lead him to make a valuable contribution to World War I through bravery, skilled flying skills, and selflessness.
A hero is a person that has acquired admiration from others for their dignified qualities. Heroes can be found everywhere, but there is one particular hero from the book Cue for Treason by Geoffrey Trease that looms in the crowd. The story is told from the perspective of a 14-year old boy from Cumberland named Peter Brownrigg. As Peter wanders through sixteenth century England, we quickly discover that he is a hero. His actions of bravery, determination, and intelligence throughout the novel clearly demonstrate this matter.
Audie Leon Murphy has earned all available U.S. military combat award for valor possible from the United States Army. He was also decorated by Belgium and France for his service. He serviced in the European Theater of Operations along with the Mediterranean. on January 26, 1945 Murphy earned the medal of honor because of what he had did at the Colmar Pocket near Holtzwihr, France when he was only 19 years old. He received it for his defensive actions against German troops- this shows his selfless service and personal courage. While he was wounded he alone stayed in a burning tank destroyer firing at the Germans- their soldiers and tanks- with a fully automatic machine gun. When he was out of ammo he climbed off the tank and led a successful counterattack after he had refused to let his wounds be treated. Another way he showed his personal courage-an army value.
He spends almost an hour on top of the tank destroyer until his ammunition is exhausted. Seconds later after climbing off the tank destroyer, it explodes. For this action, Audie receives the Medal of Honor. PVT, AUS 30 Jun 42 PFC, AUS 7 May 43 CPL, AUS 15 Jul 43 SGT, AUS 13 Dec 43 S/SGT, AUS 13 Jan 44 2d LT, AUS
A hero puts other people before themselves and is admired for their qualities, courage, and achievements. A hero obtains knowledge throughout their journey of helping and healing. From Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huckleberry begins his journey with his first dilemma to save a slave, Jim. Huckleberry Finn begins to transform into a courageous hero when he learns the value of a human being.
The word "hero" is so often used to describe people who overcome great difficulties and rise to the challenge that is set before them without even considering the overwhelming odds they are up against. In our culture, heroes are glorified in literature and in the media in various shapes and forms. However, I believe that many of the greatest heroes in our society never receive the credit that they deserve, much less fame or publicity. I believe that a hero is simply someone who stands up for what he/she believes in. A person does not have to rush into a burning building and save someone's life to be a hero. Someone who is a true friend can be a hero. A hero is someone who makes a difference in the lives of others simply by his/her presence. In Tim O'Brien's novel, The Things They Carried, the true heroes stand out in my mind as those who were true friends and fought for what they believed in. These men and women faced the atrocities of war on a daily basis, as explained by critic David R. Jarraway's essay, "'Excremental Assault' in Tim O'Brien: Trauma and Recovery in Vietnam War Literature" and by Vietnam Veteran Jim Carter. Yet these characters became heroes not by going to drastic measures to do something that would draw attention to themselves, but by being true to their own beliefs and by making a difference to the people around them.
Webster’s dictionary defines a hero as any man admired for his courage, qualities or exploits, especially in war. Some people attribute the term hero mostly to war. My personal definition of a hero is someone who takes a stand against evil or an unjust cause. The term hero can be applied to anyone, it isn’t necessary to save the world from explosion to be a hero. The act of standing up for a friend can also be called a heroic act.
Drama ‘Saving Private Ryan’ salutes the ‘citizen soldier of WWII’.” L.A. Times 10, May 1998: 4/13/99 http://www.multimania.com/spielbrg
Who is a hero? In contemporary times, usage of the term has become somewhat of a cliché. Over the years, the term “hero” has become representative of a wide variety of individuals, each possessing differing traits. Some of the answers put forth by my colleagues (during our in-class discussion on heroism) as to whom they consider heroes pointed to celebrities, athletes, teachers and family members. Although the occupations differed, each of their heroes bore qualities that my classmates perceived as extraordinary, whether morally or physically. Nonetheless, Webster’s defines “hero” as “a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities.” Thus, it is worth considering that individuals become heroes relative to the situation with which they’re faced.
What is a hero? A hero can be classified as a number of things. A hero can be a person who in the opinions of others has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal. Ervin Staub, a holocaust survivor from Hungary and as scholar on altruistic behavior, has written, "Goodness like evil often begins in small steps. Heroes evolve; they aren't born. Very often the rescuers make only a small commitment at the start, to hide someone for a day or two. But once they had taken that step, they begin to see themselves differently, as someone who helps. What starts as mere willingness becomes intense involvement." The business man, Oskar Schindler, demonstrated a powerful example
Christopher Reeve once said, “ A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” The difference between a hero and an average person is that, one will give up and the other will keep fighting. Heroes are willing to sacrifice themselves for others, they are brave when other others cower, and do not run away from the terror.
Heroism entails several things; a selfless act, courage, or the accomplishments of bold and daring expeditions. A hero can also mean courage in the face of death. Others may view this type of hero as stupid, or a martyr. Every hero has faults and these faults along with heroic deeds make the man or woman; a hero, heroine.
A hero is a man who is distinguished by exceptional courage, nobility. and strength to carry out tasks that involve great risks. A hero can also be a person who fights for other people to help or save them. from their fears and fears. He opposes the villain - a person who does wicked or intentionally harm others in some way, emotionally or otherwise.
THE PRICE OF VALOR: THE LIFE OF AUDIE MURPHY, AMERICA’S MOST DECORATED HERO OF WORLD WAR II is an autobiography written by David A. Smith about Audie Murphy. THE PRICE OF VALOR covers the entirety of Murphy’s life while focusing on his achievements and accomplishments. Starting before his birth, in 1925, the books follows the family life of Murphy, his early jobs, enrollment into the army, his post-war life, and lastly his death in 1971. Audie’s impoverished home life led to him getting a job at a young age and trying to provide support for his family. When he got older, Murphy, known as a sharp-shooter, entered into the military during WWII. In the military, Murphy experienced great success where he earned thirty-three medals, such as a Purple Heart and a Medal of Honor.
A hero is considered to be any man noted for courage or nobility of Purpose; especially, one who has risked or sacrificed his life. In Ken Kesey's novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, the reader can see how McMurphy is a prime example of a hero. McMurphy's strength embodies a heroic devotion to the other acutes on the ward.