The Most Decorated American Soldier of World War II: Audie Murphy, World War II, and Courage

How did Audie Murphy, the most decorated American soldier of World War II, display courage? How can students cultivate and apply courage in their own lives?

Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.

• What challenges are you facing?
• What fears or concerns might you have?
• What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?

Observation Questions

• What contributions did Audie Murphy and the other American soldiers make to the advancement of freedom through their demonstration of courage in World War II?
• In what ways did Murphy’s courage contribute to his ability to lead his men in World War II battles?

Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions with your students.

• What is the historical context of the narrative?
• What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
• How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the challenge?
• How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
• How might exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
• What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
• Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
• How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?

• Students will evaluate Audie Murphy’s courage during World War II.
• Students will analyze how courageous acts can promote progress.
• Students will apply their knowledge of courage to their own lives.