Summary

The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall) for 5 minutes.

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the floor on a subject that Republicans and Democrats agree upon. Several of the other previous speakers have done so, and that is the idea of freedom for this country.

But I also rise today to pay special attention and give tribute to one of our Nation's greatest World War II war heroes, Audie Murphy. Major Murphy, who hailed from the Fourth District of Texas--my district--was an extraordinary man in many ways. Initially turned away by several branches of the United States armed services due to his young age and his slight build, Audie Murphy's patriotism led him to misrepresent his age in order to serve and defend his country.

This patriotism and his unusual courage in battle led him to distinction as the most decorated combat soldier of World War II, earning every U.S. military combat award for valor available from the United States Army, including the Medal of Honor, two Silver Stars, three Purple Hearts, and the Distinguished Service Cross. It is, therefore, fitting, though belated, that Major Murphy was awarded Texas' highest military honor, the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor, on October 29, 2013.

Major Murphy earned his first Medal of Honor on January 26, 1945, in France. Six tanks and waves of Nazi infantry attacked his Company B, but Second Lieutenant Murphy remained at his command post throughout the fierce fighting. Although he suffered a leg wound, he continued to fight for more than an hour until his ammunition was exhausted and the enemy was in retreat.

Audie Murphy did not stop where most men would on the battlefield, in fighting for his own life, or in fighting for his country. In fact, he lived out the remainder of his years after the war as an accredited writer, actor, and songwriter.

Mr. Speaker, despite this prestige, it should be noted that he was also a man of deep modesty who considered himself ``just another man.'' He fought not because he loved war, but because he loved the values and freedoms we enjoy in America. He felt compelled to do his duty to his country. Audie Murphy represents some of the greatest qualities of a hero, including an unfailing sense of duty, a strong sense of patriotism, and a degree of modesty that recognizes the humble roots of this great country.

We remember Audie Murphy because of his outstanding feats but also because he remains perhaps one of the truest examples of what it means to be American. I was proud to ride in many veterans parades with Audie Murphy and was pleased to know him as a personal friend. I also met his sisters. He was always loyal to his family and found time for them.

As a Representative of the Fourth District of Texas, I am proud to call Audie Murphy's home my home as well. The folks in the Fourth District are pleased that the great State of Texas has given Major Murphy due recognition for his outstanding service to our country by awarding him the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering this great American, this great hero, and to thank him and his family for his service.