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Audie Murphy: A Life from Beginning to End

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Discover the remarkable life of Audie Murphy...
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Audie Murphy was a movie star, writer, and one of the most decorated soldiers who ever lived. He was barely 18 years old when he was shipped off to fight fascists in Italy during World War II. As he himself would later liken it, he went “to hell and back” and lived to tell the tale.

In this book, we will dive deeper to bring you the man behind the medals. Here is a telling of the life and legend of Audie Murphy in full.

Discover a plethora of topics such asOrphaned at an Early AgeShipped off to WarMurphy’s Medal of HonorHollywood SuccessAddiction and ArrestsThe Fatal Plane CrashAnd much more!
So if you want a concise and informative book on Audie Murphy, simply scroll up and click the "Buy now" button for instant access!

41 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2021

103 people are currently reading
117 people want to read

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Hourly History

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At Hourly History, we focus on publishing history books that are concise, straightforward and take no longer than one hour to read.

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5 stars
279 (53%)
4 stars
137 (26%)
3 stars
73 (14%)
2 stars
19 (3%)
1 star
12 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
15 reviews
December 23, 2021
Good short biography of the heroic but tragic soldier of WWII

I had seen the movie 'To Hhell and Back' when i as very young. I did not know how much Murphy did for the Allied cause, nor the cost he and other soldiers paid mentally - including my uncle committing suicide soon after returning home to Texas after the war and fighting in he Battle of the Bulge. It is tragic too that my brother died in Vietnam n April 1970 as scout 'Loach' helicopter pilot. War still destroys the living and the dead, the soldiers and by-standers, the young and the old, and once begun it remains a scar forever and for generations not yet born. This - war - is our greatest plague; for we do not innoculate ourelves or our children from it. It is the ony god that people still feel duty bound, and compelled to offer sacrifices. To the ones sacrified offer we call them heroes to satisfy our guilt, offer them medals they will never see, and memorials of concrete and marble that will never replace the flesh and blood! For this - sacrificing the brave few by lackless leaders, and citizenry without conscience or remorse - for this, we all - every last one cannot and never will be forgiven; for te only ones who can forgive are the victims we sacrificed. And now, they are no more. And t is all because of each one of us! (JHR - KY 12.23.2021)
Profile Image for Thomas.
215 reviews25 followers
February 14, 2023
I am glad that I did not pay good money for this book. Whoever wrote it for the HOURLY HISTORY franchise must have copied and pasted from Wikipedia and then changed some words around to avoid charges of plagiarism.

Get a load of this passage:

"Murphy was given an assignation with the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, of the 3rd Infantry Division."

Of course the author is attempting to tell us which unit Murphy was assigned to after he deployed to North Africa, but it reads like he scored a hot date with the entire 1st Battalion.

The book is riddled with stuff like this.

The only reason I'm giving it two stars is because it provided new information on his life after the war. At least it was new to me.
Profile Image for Bonnie Gleckler Clark.
899 reviews16 followers
December 21, 2021
My Husband, also a Veteran, speaks highly of Audie

I think my husband has seen Audie Murphy’s “To Hell and Back” numerous times….when he watches it he always speaks of it with pride. This is why I was anxious to download and read this “Hourly History” about Murphy. No wonder the man won so many metals and honors. He remains on of the most decorated soldiers of all time. Want to know more about this amazing young man, who we lost way to soon, read this albeit short piece about Audie Murphy’s life. You’ll be glad you did.
Profile Image for Van Roberts.
212 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2024
A Genuine War Hero

This sketchy biography of Audie Murphy barely scratches the surface of his incredible life. The war years are credibly covered but the reminder of his life isn’t considered in as great a depth. As a basic primer on his life, it suffices. Although Hourly Histories cannot be comprehensive in detail, this one is disappointing considering the stature of his heroism and his burst of creativity as an actor in Hollywood. Perhaps some quotes from the people who knew him well might have added some dimension to this life story.
93 reviews
December 16, 2021
This is an excellent overview of an American hero who led a complex life. The telling of the mental anguish Murphy endured is worth the read and promotes why all returning soldiers from war should be given the opportunity for therapy before they return to a more normal life. It is a should read for anyone interested in what veterans of battle face when they return home.
4 reviews
September 18, 2023
Interesting short read.

Interesting read, however the writing style is a little off and the author demonstrations their unfamiliarity with the US military honours system - such as the 'coveted'Purple Heart Medal. Coveted imply one goes looking to obtain such a award. One does not go seeking to get wounded in combat.
Profile Image for Sandy Neal.
807 reviews10 followers
January 18, 2024
What an amazing American hero!

Large print and easy to read!

Only thing missing are the personal good deeds he did such as visiting and supporting the orphanage where his siblings lived. I met a man who was living there as a child and shared about meeting Audie Murphy when he visited there. It was a highlight if his life!
2 reviews
June 19, 2025
Better than good.

I have loved Audie Murphy for as long as I can remember, and I have a very long memory. I have seen many of his films but recently have wanted to know more about the man himself. This book gave a brief but good account of this and I learned a few things I didn't know about him.
I gave 5 stars for this reason, now I think I will read the book again.
47 reviews
November 29, 2021
All All Americans should know this hero.

I had heard of him being in movies, but did not know what he did in WW II and I am a military history buff. He was the kind of hero we should put on pedestals rather than sports and rap stars. This book was enlightening.
Profile Image for William C. Sneed.
82 reviews3 followers
July 16, 2022
America's most decorated hero - Audie Murphy

This is indeed is a life well lived. As a teenager in the 1960's living in Hollywood, California, I remember watching many of his movie movies, which motivated me as I entered the army and served in Vietnam.
6 reviews
February 11, 2023
just the facts

This short, precise book filled in any gaps I had in my knowledge of Mr Murphy. As a baby boomer, he was a personal hero and probably my first crush. It has given me information to continue delving into his life, if I so desire
5 reviews
December 24, 2024
Amazing story

No doubt he was deserve for his heroism from his action. His story was so amazing, unbelieveable and exciting. Glad for him to had a succuess life after his war service. Thanks for the information in this book.
12 reviews
June 19, 2025
Very concise, not too much detail

I knew that Audie Murphy was a highly decorated serviceman, but I didn't realise how many movies he made, or how he tried to improve soldiers access to mental health treatment
73 reviews
November 29, 2021
Good quick overview

This gives a quick overview of the life of a complex individual. Would have liked to have more information on siblings following his rise to stardom.
200 reviews4 followers
December 17, 2021
Great book!

I may have to read a couple of other books about Audie Murphy. I realized he did a lot for veterans and mental health.
6 reviews
November 3, 2022
A Real Hero

I liked the writing style. It was clear and to the point.

Audience was a real hero.

Men like Audie are rare.
1 review1 follower
December 10, 2022
A excelent book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
26 reviews
August 5, 2023
interesting

While the book is interesting and informative it’s way too short and doesn’t do justice to such a remarkable American Hero.
Profile Image for Deborah Dibble.
141 reviews
January 6, 2024
Excellent biography. Read on my kindle. I enjoyed reading about one of my favorite actors when I was a kid. I have tremendous respect for the man and what he achieved with little education.
18 reviews
May 26, 2024
Great

I have enjoyed this book , I got to visit his grave in Arlington cemetery while on the Honor flight from Cherokee,NC.
Profile Image for Leann Kasper.
138 reviews3 followers
April 18, 2025
Very Interesting

I love learning about historical people. I knew he was a highly decorated war hero, but I didn't know many other aspects of his life.
224 reviews2 followers
April 18, 2025
I love learning about historical people. I knew he was a highly decorated war hero, but I didn't know many other aspects of his life.
Profile Image for F.
1,239 reviews9 followers
April 27, 2025
Concise little volume on a great hero who unfortunately was not great in civilian life.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews