The American World War II soldier Audie Leon Murphy died in a plane crash on May 28, 1971 (which was Memorial Day weekend), in Brush Mountain, located near Catawba, Virginia, roughly 20 miles west of Roanoke. He was on a business trip when his private plane crashed due to bad weather conditions along with a pilot who was not qualified to fly on instruments. Everyone involved was killed. Murphy was only 46 years old when he died. Later on in the year1974, a big granite memorial marker was put up near the crash site.
Murphy was the most decorated American combat soldier of World War II within his 27 months of combat action. He was a recipient of the Medal of Honor, which is the military's premier award for valor. In addition he was awarded 32 other medals for bravery and service.
Later on he became an actor with a successful movie career, which included the tremendously popular movie 'To Hell and Back.'
Murphy was the most decorated American combat soldier of World War II within his 27 months of combat action. He was a recipient of the Medal of Honor, which is the military's premier award for valor. In addition he was awarded 32 other medals for bravery and service.
Later on he became an actor with a successful movie career, which included the tremendously popular movie 'To Hell and Back.'
