I'll tell you what bravery really is. Bravery is just determination to do a job that you know has to be done.
Audie Murphy is a legend. He is the most decorated American combat soldier of World War II. He had received every military combat award for valor available from the United States, French, and Belgian Army awards for heroism.
You don't need to be very big to be a big hero, on and off screen -- Audie is the proof of this. He was a person of small stature physically, but a very brave soldier.
Audie Murphy's height is actually quite well-documented. Here are some of those measurements.
When Audie was enlisted in the army at the age of 17, his height was recorded as 5 feet 5½ inches (166 cm) and his weight as 112 pounds (50.8 kg). Audie definitely Grew some more after that as most boys of that age do.
At the age of 19, in a questionnaire, his height without shoes was filled in as 5 ft 7½ in and weight 138 lb (62.5 kg).
At the age of 20, in a report of physical examination, Audie's height was back to 5'7", and his weight was 132 lb (60 kg).
Then at the age of 25, in another report of physical examination, Audie's "shoeless" height shot up to 5'8½" and his weight was now a healthy 145 lb (65 kg).
At last -- according to Audie's driving license, he was 5'10", but you don't actually get measured for your driving license. You can put in whatever number you like as your height -- within a reasonable limit of course.
There is also an article in Esquire Magazine written right before Murphy died. The writer said that he was surprised at meeting Audie at his height (looking tall) -- about 5'9". Murphy laughed at him and said, "I have never stopped growing my entire life". Another indication is that he suffered from malnutrition when he was young.
Late puberty is a well-documented phenomenon. Audie might very well have suffered from it. Another famous actor who suffered from this is Ralph Macchio (the kid from the Karate Kid).
After analyzing Audie Murphy's height some more, we think he might very well have been 5'7" in his prime -- but no more than that.
The height of Audie Murphy was
5'6½" or 169 cm
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| A real hero with screen heroes: Audie Murphy with John Wayne (6'4"), and James Arness (6'6") |
Audie Murphy was a war hero. Here is a few of his honest quotes:
Audie Murphy on surviving a war.
No soldier ever really survives a war.
Audie Murphy on the meaning of America.
The true meaning of America, you ask? It's in a Texas rodeo, in a policeman's badge, in the sound of laughing children, in a political rally, in a newspaper... In all these things, and many more, you'll find America. In all these things, you'll find freedom. And freedom is what America means to the world. And to me.
Audie Murphy on being a war hero.
I never liked being called the 'most decorated soldier. There were so many guys who should have gotten medals and never did -- guys who were killed.
Audie Murphy
I was scared before every battle. That old instinct of self-preservation is a pretty basic thing, but while the action was going on some part of my mind shut off and my training and discipline took over. I did what I had to do.
Audie Murphy on courage in combat.
Sometimes it takes more courage to get up and run than to stay. You either just do it or you don't. I got so scared the first day in combat that I decided to go along.
Audie Murphy on human life.
It's not easy to shed the idea that human life is sacred.
Audie Murphy on what teaches you combat.
Actual combat experience is the only teacher. You never come out of a skirmish without having picked up a couple of new tricks; without having learned more about your enemy...Total involvement with the war was the only thing that kept me alive and pushing.
Audie Murphy on first blood.
Now I have shed my first blood. I feel no qualms, no pride, no remorse. There is only a weary indifference that will follow me throughout the war.