What did Audie Murphy became after the military?

Answer 1

actor

Actually, Audie was more than just an actor, he was a song writer with 17 songs

credited to his name, he was also a Rancher and Quarter Horse Breeder with 3 active

Ranches. One in California, One in Arizona, and one in Texas. He was also a published

Poet, and official spokesman for the National Guard. Audie had also joined the Masons

and was a Shriner, and a 33rd degree Mason at the time of his death. Not to mention

his military career both active and inactive in the US. Army and the National Guard

where he attained the rank of Major. Quite a philanthropic fellow I would say.

Answer 2

Murphy was awarded the Medal of Honor on June 2, 1945, by 7th Army commander Alexander "Sandy" Patch, for his actions in late January, 1945. The award was less than a month after the German surrender, and later that month Murphy was privileged to fly back to the states to a heroes welcome. The war was not yet over, Japan still held out, and Murphy was still in the Army. The Army throughout WWII recognized the value of good public relations and publicity. Murphy appeared on the cover of "Life" magazine on July 16, 1945, with the caption "Most Decorated Soldier". He was a handsome man, with an extremely youthful appearance, and a great smile. The famous movie star James Cagney saw the magazine, got in touch with Murphy, and invited him to Hollywood, sensing his star potential. Murphy went to Hollywood in September, 1945, after being discharged from the Army. Murphy had hoped for a military career, but injuries received in his Medal of Honor action made him physically unfit.

The first few years in Hollywood were rough for Murphy, with little work. Eventually he broke through in 1951 starring in the movie adaptation of Stephen Crane's "Red Badge of Courage". Murphy played himself in 1955, when his book "To Hell and Back" was made into a movie. "To Hell and Back" was the highest grossing film ever for Universal until they released "Jaws" in 1975, by which time movie admission prices had quadrupled or more since 1955.