Audie Murphy: War Hero and Movie Star (Stars of Texas Series) Review

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(More customer reviews)In "Audie Murphy, War Hero and Movie Star" the most decorated soldier during World War II is illuminated. The middle chapters, which describe the military actions for which he was honored are frank and descriptive. Of particular interest is the battle scene near Holtzwhir, France, where he was personally credited with killing or wounding about fifty Germans and stopping an attack by enemy tanks. Alter includes the legendary quote to headquarters made by Murphy during the fighting. When asked by radio how close the enemy was, he said, "Just hold the phone, and I'll let you talk to one. ..." Murphy was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for exceptional valor in this battle.
Even when dealing with Murphy's post-traumatic stress disorder, or "battle fatigue" in the lexicon of the 1940s, Alter is honest and instructive. This is a book my 11-year-old grandson will enjoy, and I have already passed it on.
Extras in the Audie Murphy book include explanations of the Great Depression, what a "filling station" is, and a short excerpt from Murphy's autobiography "To Hell and Back."
The book also includes a timeline and a glossary, as well as website listings and beautifully rendered line drawings by the illustrator. Children will be so absorbed in reading this well-written biography, they won't even realize that they are being taught important American history lessons at the same time.

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Audie Murphy was the most decorated soldier during World War II. He was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military award for bravery given to any individual who risks their life above and beyond the call of duty.Audie Murphy's life was shaped by three things: the Great Depression of the 1930s, World War II of the 1940s, and a Hollywood career which began in the early 1950s and continued through the 1960s. The Depression and his family's poverty toughened him. The war was the experience that followed him all his life and brought him fame. Hollywood was never like real life to him. Of the three, war was the definitive experience of his life.On May 28, 1971, Audie, along with several other men, were passengers on a private plane on their way to investigate a business opportunity. The plane crashed in fog and rain on the side of a mountain near Roanoke, Virginia. All aboard were killed. Audie Murphy was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.Audie Murphy was a true American hero and his life was a rags-to-riches story. But in Audie Murphy, author Judy Alter shows that fame does not always bring happiness.Audie Murphy is the fifth title in the Stars of Texas Series, aimed at fourth graders studying for the Texas history section of the TAKS test. The first three books in the series, Henrietta King: Rancher and Philanthropist, Mirabeau B. Lamar: Second President of Texas, and Miriam "Ma" Ferguson: First Woman Governor of Texas, have been chosen for the Accelerated Reader program, and Henrietta King was a Spur Award finalist. Free workbooks for all Stars of Texas Series books are available online.

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