Reference Entry
AUDIE MURPHY’S STAND NEAR HOLTZWIHR, FRANCE
On a cold day near the village of Holtzwihr in eastern France, a young Texas-born lieutenant named Audie Murphy faced a German attack with his infantry company badly outnumbered. After calling in artillery and ordering most of his men to fall back to prepared positions, Murphy remained forward, climbing onto a burning tank destroyer that could still bring its heavy machine gun to bear.
Dated Historical Context
A RECORDED MOMENT IN HISTORY
Audie Murphy’s stand near Holtzwihr, France
On a cold day near the village of Holtzwihr in eastern France, a young Texas-born lieutenant named Audie Murphy faced a German attack with his infantry company badly outnumbered. After calling in artillery and ordering most of his men to fall back to prepared positions, Murphy remained forward, climbing onto a burning tank destroyer that could still bring its heavy machine gun to bear. From that exposed perch, under fire and surrounded by smoke, he directed artillery and raked advancing German troops until the attack faltered. Wounded and nearly out of ammunition, he finally rejoined his company and organized a counterattack that secured the ground. The action would earn him the Medal of Honor and make him one of the most decorated American soldiers of the Second World War. His stand near Holtzwihr became a symbol of individual courage and determination under overwhelming pressure.
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