MovieChat Forums > To Hell and Back (1955) Discussion > Audie Murphy - Childhood Hero

Audie Murphy - Childhood Hero

posted 10 years ago by TheFonz79
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I first saw this movie on television in 1990 when I was eleven years old. Even at that age, I was fascinated with anything World War II, mainly because of the influence of my grandfather and four great-uncles who all served and were willing to share their stories with me. "To Hell and Back" became my favorite war movie, and Audie Murphy one of my childhood heroes. I was able to get the movie on tape, and watched it so much the VCR eventually destroyed it! I read the book several times, as well as any other material I could find on him.

In 1992, my family visited Washington, D.C. and of course went to Arlington Cemetery. We found Audie Murphy's grave, which is within walking distance of the Tombs of the Unknowns. I picked a clover from the site, which my mother laminated for me. I still carry it in my wallet to this day, 22 years later. A big fan of genealogy, I discovered a couple of years ago that I am a distant (fifth) cousin of Audie Murphy. Boy, did that information put me on cloud nine!

"To Hell and Back" is a great movie about a true American hero!

[–] jaywickforever 8 years ago

I saw this film when it first came out. I was 12 at the time. My friend and I went to see it at least six times. Audie became my first hero, and found a place in my heart, where he has been ever since. He may have been small in stature, but in every other way, a great human being. Wish there was someone today, even half as worthy as he, to inspire the younger generation.