After reading this book, the patriotism in me increased by leaps and bounds. This book is absolutely amazing. It is the true life story of Audie Murphy, and his dedication and determination to make a difference in World War 2.
Desperate to see action but rejected by both the marines and paratroopers because he was too short, Murphy eventually found a home with the infantry. He fought through campaigns in Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany. Although still under twenty-one years old on V-E Day, he was credited with having killed, captured, or wounded 240 Germans. He emerged from the war as America's most decorated soldier, having received twenty-one medals, including our highest military decoration, the Congressional Medal of Honor. To Hell and Back is a powerfully real portrayal of American GI's at war.
An amazing aspect about Audie Murphy is that he was not limited to one feat of heroism in WWII. For almost two years, he distinguished himself as one of the greatest combat soldiers of all time with repeated acts of heroism, earning every medal our country could give including the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, multiple Silver Stars, Bonze Stars, and Purple Hearts.
Audie Murphy was a humble man and a born leader who would rather put himself in harms way than to risk the lives of his men if at all possible. Even though he didn't have a good father as a role model, he was a father to the men who served with him. If a soldier under his command was afraid to do a job, he would do it himself.
Audie Murphy is truly a hero. This is self-evident. His book deals very well with giving the feeling of being a soldier, with the incredible stress that comes from being in a life-and-death situation. This feeling includes anger, and apathy, and friendship. Murphy describes the events of his time in service straight-forwardly and clearly.
For anyone who wants to read a tremendous book, or just needs a boost in patriotism and heroism,...