SERGEANT AUDIE

MURPHY CLUB
STUDY GUIDE
Audie Leon Murphy was a legend in his own time. A war hero, movie actor,
writer of country and western songs, and poet. His biography reads more like
fiction than fact. He lived only 46 years, but he made a lasting imprint on
American history. Audie was born on a sharecropper's farm in North Texas on
June 20, 1924. As a boy, he chopped cotton for one dollar a day and was noted
for his feats of derring-do and his accuracy with a gun. He had only 5 years of
schooling and was orphaned at age 16. After being refused enlistment during
World War II in both the Marines and Paratroopers for being too small (5'5")
and underweight (110 lbs), he enlisted in the U.S. Army a few days after his
18th birthday. After basic training at Camp Walter’s, Texas, and advanced
training at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, Audie was sent overseas. He was
assigned to the famous 15th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division
where he fought in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany. He
earned a battlefields commission for his courage and leadership ability as well
as citations and decorations including every medal for valor that America gives.
He was also awarded three French and one Belgian medal. Lieutenant Audie
Murphy was the highest decorated soldier in American history. Discharged
from the Army on September 21, 1945, Audie went to Hollywood at the
invitation of movie star James Cagney. He remained in California for the rest of
his life and was closely associated with the movie industry, both as an actor and
a producer. He acted in 44 films, starring in 39 of them. His best known film
was "To Hell and Back," adopted from the best selling book of his war
experiences by the same name. Most of his movies were westerns. In 1955,
Audie Murphy was voted the Most Popular Western Actor in America by the
Motion Picture Exhibitors. Audie wrote the lyrics to 16 country and western
songs, the most popular of which was "Shutters and Boards," written with
Scott Turner in 1962. The song was recorded by over 30 pop singers, including
Jerry Wallace, Dean Martin, and Porter Waggoner. He was an accomplished
poet; unfortunately, only a few of his poems have survived. In 1950 Audie
joined the 36th Infantry Division ("T-Patchers") of the Texas National Guard
and served with it until 1966. He was a Mason and a Shriner and belonged to
several veterans organizations. Audie Murphy was killed in a plane crash on a
mountain top near Roanoke, Virginia on May 28, 1971. Fittingly, his body was
recovered 2 days later on Memorial Day. Audie could very well be the last
American war hero. He was the greatest combat soldier in the 200 year plus
history of the United States.
 History of Sergeant Audie Murphy
Audie Leon Murphy, son of poor Texas sharecroppers, rose to national fame as the most
decorated U.S. combat soldier of World War II. Among his 33 awards and decorations was
the Medal of Honor, the highest military award for bravery that can be given to any
individual in the United States of America, for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty." He also received every decoration for valor
that his country had to offer, some of them more than once, including 5 decorations by
France and Belgium. Credited with either killing over 240 of the enemy while wounding
and capturing many others, he became a legend within the 3rd Infantry Division. Beginning
his service as an Army Private, Audie quickly rose to the enlisted rank of Staff Sergeant, was
given a "battle field" commission as 2nd Lieutenant, was wounded three times, fought in 9
major campaigns across the European Theater, and survived the war.

During Murphy's 3 years active service as a combat soldier in World War II, Audie
became one of the best fighting combat soldiers of this or any other century. What Audie
accomplished during this period is most significant and probably will never be repeated by
another soldier, given today's high-tech type of warfare. The U.S. Army has always declared
that there will never be another Audie Murphy.

On 21 September, 1945, Audie was released from the Army as an active member and
reassigned to inactive status. During this same time, actor James Cagney invited Murphy to
Hollywood in September 1945, when he saw Murphy's photo on the cover of Life Magazine.
The next couple of years in California were hard times for Audie Murphy. Struggling and
becoming disillusioned from lack of work while sleeping in a local gymnasium, he finally
received token acting parts in his first two films.

His first starring role came in a 1949 released film by Allied Artists called, Bad Boy. In
1950 Murphy eventually got a contract with Universal-International (later called Universal)
where he starred in 26 films, 23 of them westerns over the next 15 years. His 1949
autobiography To Hell And Back was a best seller. Murphy starred as himself in a film
biography released by Universal-International in 1955 with the same title. The movie, To
Hell and Back, held the record as Universal's highest grossing picture until 1975 when it was
finally surpassed by the movie Jaws. In the mid-60s the studios switched from contract
players to hiring actors on a picture-by-picture basis. Consequently, when his contract
expired in 1965 Universal did not renew. This gave him the opportunity to work with other
studios and independent film producers. In the 25 years that Audie spent in Hollywood, he
made a total of 44 feature films.

Despite his success in Hollywood, Audie never forgot his rural Texas roots. He returned
frequently to the Dallas area where he owned a small ranch for a while. He also had ranches
in Perris, California and near Tucson, Arizona. He was a successful Thoroughbred and
Quarter Horse racehorse owner and breeder, having interests in such great horses as "Depth
Charge."
 His films earned him close to 3 million dollars in 23 years as an actor. Audie loved to
gamble, and he bet on horses and different sporting events. He was also a great poker player.
In his role as a prodigious gambler, he won and lost fortunes.

Audie Murphy wrote some poetry and was quite successful as a songwriter. He usually
teamed up with talented artists and composers such as Guy Mitchell, Jimmy Bryant, Scott
Turner, Coy Ziegler, or Terri Eddleman. Dozens of Audie Murphy's songs were recorded
and released by such great performers as Dean Martin, Eddy Arnold, Charley Pride, Jimmy
Bryant, Porter Waggoner, Jerry Wallace, Roy Clark, Harry Nilsson and many, many others.
His two biggest hits were Shutters and Boards and When the Wind Blows in Chicago. Eddy
Arnold recorded When the Wind Blows in Chicago for his 1993 album Last of the Love
Song Singers which is currently in release by RCA.

Audie suffered from what is now known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and
was plagued by insomnia and depression. During the mid-60's he became dependent for a
time on doctor prescribed sleeping pills called Placidyl. When he recognized that he had
become addicted to this prescription drug, he locked himself in a motel room, stopped
taking the sleeping pills and went through withdrawal symptoms for a week. Always an
advocate for the needs of veterans, he broke the taboo about discussing war related mental
problems after this experience. In a effort to draw attention to the problems of returning
Korean and Vietnam War veterans, Audie Murphy spoke-out candidly about his personal
problems with PTSD, then known as "Battle Fatigue". He publicly called for United States
government to give more consideration and study to the emotional impact war has on
veterans and to extend health care benefits to address PTSD and other mental health
problems of returning war vets.

While on a business trip on May 28, 1971, (Memorial Day Weekend) he was killed at the
age of 46. A private plane flying in fog and rain crashed in the side of a mountain near
Roanoke, Virginia. Five others including the pilot were also killed. Although Audie owned
and flew his own plane earlier in his career at Hollywood, he was among the passengers that
tragic day.

On June 7th, Audie Murphy was buried with full military honors in Arlington National
Cemetery. His gravesite, near the Amphitheater, is second most visited gravesite year round.
President Kennedy's grave is the most visited.

In 1996 the Texas Legislature officially designated his birthday, June 20th, as Audie
Murphy Day. On June 9, 1999 Governor George W. Bush, Texas made a similar
proclamation declaring June 20th to officially be Audie Murphy Day in the state of Texas.

Wanda Hendrix: First Wife. No children. Married 1949. Divorced 1951.

Pamela Archer: Second Wife. Married 1951.

Children: Terry Michael Murphy (born 1952) and James Shannon Murphy (born 1954).
 Early Years

Murphy was born in Kingston, Hunt County, Texas, to poor sharecroppers of

Irish descent, Emmett Berry Murphy, and his wife, Josie Bell. He grew up on
farms in the Farmersville and Greenville areas, and near Celeste, Texas. Audie
Murphy grew up the 6th or 7th of twelve children, nine of which survived to
be at-least eighteen. His parents, Emmett Berry and Josie Bell Murphy were
hard working farmers, in a constant struggle to make ends meet. After
his father deserted them in 1936, Audie dropped out following his 8th grade
year in order to support his mother and siblings. At the age of twelve he began
to shoot rabbits in order to put food on the table and became known for his
excellent aim and accuracy. When he was sixteen years old, his mother passed
away leaving him as the father figure as well as the breadwinner for the
household, forcing him to get a job at a local store. Murphy attended
elementary school in Celeste until his father abandoned the family in 1936.
Audie dropped out in the fifth grade to help support his family. He worked for
one dollar per day; plowing and picking cotton on any farm that would hire
him.

Key Dates & Ages:

• June 20th 1924 - Birth 

• 12 yrs. - Father Abandoned family, dropped out of school
• 16 yrs. - Mother Died, Became sole provider, Got job at local store
 Enlistment

Murphy had long dreamed of joining the military. After the attack on Pearl Harbor on
December 7, 1941, Murphy tried to enlist in the military, but the services rejected him
because he was underage and only about 5' 5". The 5 ft 5 inch (166 cm) and 110 pound
(50 kg) Murphy tried once again to enlist, but was declined by both the Marines and Army
paratroopers as too short and underweight. The Navy also turned him down for being
underweight. The United States Army finally accepted him, and he was inducted at
Greenville and sent to Camp Walter’s, Texas for basic training. During a session of close
order drill, he passed out. His company commander tried to have him transferred to a cook
and bakers' school but Murphy insisted on becoming a combat soldier, and after 13 weeks of
basic training, he was sent to Fort Meade, Maryland for advanced infantry training.

When Audie shipped overseas, little did he know that he would participate in nine major
battle campaigns, such as Sicily, Italy, and Southern Fran`q Star with "V" device and the
coveted Combat Infantryman's Badge. On August 15, 1944 during the landings in Southern
France, Audie's unit was advancing inland when they were halted by intense German
machine gun fire. Audie advanced alone and wiped out several enemy machine gun nests
and captured 5 German soldiers. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his
actions. On October 2, 1944 Audie and a group of officers on reconnaissance duty came
under heavy German fire. Audie advanced and made his way to within 15 yards of the
German positions. Audie engaged the Germans with rifle fire and grenades and continued to
advance where he radioed for artillery fire on other German strongpoints. These
strongpoints were completely destroyed. Audie was awarded the Silver Star for this action.
Also, due to his heroism, Staff Sergeant Murphy received a battlefield promotion on October
14, 1944 to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Two weeks later Audie was severely wounded by
shrapnel from German mortar fire on his position. Audie was hospitalized for an extended
length of time due to this wound. During his service in World War II Audie received 3
Purple Heart Medals for wounds received in combat.
RANK AND DECORATIONS
 MEDAL OF HONOR

Audie Murphy was the recipient of America's highest decoration known as the Medal of Honor.
Originally authorized by congress during the Civil War this medal has had several versions since 1862.
The version earned by Audie Murphy was authorized for the Army in 1904 and is known as the
"Gillespie" version. It was issued to Medal of Honor recipients in the Army through the end of World
War II but was later replaced with another, more recent version.

The action which resulted in Audie Murphy earning the medal occurred on January 26, 1945. On that
day, German forces launched a determined counter-attack with the objective of taking back important
wooded terrain known as the Bois de Riedwihr near the town of Holzwihr, France. This terrain had been
previously seized by elements of the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 15th Infantry regiment, 3rd Infantry
Division.

To retake it, the Germans advanced toward the woods with two companies of dismounted infantry and
six heavy tanks. The wood line was defended by 2nd Lieutenant Audie Murphy, who had assumed
command of B Company earlier that day when the only other officer was badly wounded by mortar fire.

At 2nd Lieutenant Murphy's disposal were eighteen enlisted soldiers - a little more than a squad sized
unit. This was all that remained of B-Company.
Just before the battle began, two poorly armed M10 tank destroyers were attached to B-Company with
the hope of countering vastly superior German armor. Each M10 had a small, short-barreled 3-inch M7
anti-armor gun tube and a single .50 caliber machine gun.

With the exception of indirect artillery, no other fire support was available to 2nd Lieutenant Murphy and
his men on that cold icy day. Making defense harder was the fact that the frozen ground made it very
difficult to dig foxholes.

Post-war
Murphy was reportedly plagued by insomnia, bouts of depression, and nightmares related to his
numerous battles throughout his life. When Murphy did sleep it was with a loaded pistol under
his pillow. His first wife, Wanda Hendrix, often talked of his struggle with this condition, even
claiming that he had held her at gunpoint once. For a time during the mid-1960s, he became
dependent on doctor-prescribed sleeping pills called Placidyl. When he recognized that he had
become addicted to the drug, he locked himself in a motel room where he took himself off the
pills, going through withdrawal for a week. In an effort to draw attention to the problems of
returning Korean and Vietnam War veterans, Murphy spoke out candidly about his own
problems with PTSD, known then and during World War II as "battle fatigue". He called on
the United States government to give increased consideration and study to the emotional impact
that combat experiences have on veterans, and to extend health care benefits to address PTSD
and other mental-health problems suffered by returning war veterans.
 Family

Murphy married actress Wanda Hendrix in 1949; they were divorced in 1951. He then married
former airline stewardess Pamela Archer, by whom he had two children: Terrance Michael
"Terry" Murphy (born 1952) and James Shannon "Skipper" Murphy (born 1954). They were
named for two of his most respected friends, Terry Hunt and James "Skipper" Cherry,
respectively.

Financial troubles
Murphy earned a great deal of money in his life as an actor and as part owner of the Great
Western Arms Company, but also had a major gambling habit which meant his finances were in
a poor state for the last years of his life. One friend estimated Murphy lost $3 million through
gambling.
 MOVIE CAREER

After seeing the young hero's photo on the cover of the July 16 edition of Life Magazine and
sensing star potential, actor James Cagney invited Murphy to Hollywood in September 1945.
Filmography
Texas, Brooklyn and Heaven (1948) Ride a Crooked Trail (1958)
Beyond Glory (1948) The Gun Runners (1958)
Bad Boy (1949) No Name on the Bullet (1959)
The Kid from Texas (1950) The Wild and the Innocent (1959)
Sierra (1950) Cast a Long Shadow (1959) – also produced
Kansas Raiders (1950) The Unforgiven (1960)
The Red Badge of Courage (1951) Hell Bent for Leather (1960)
The Cimarron Kid (1952) Seven Ways from Sundown (1960)
The Duel at Silver Creek (1952) Posse from Hell (1961)
Gunsmoke (1953) Battle at Bloody Beach (1961)
Column South (1953) Six Black Horses (1962)
Tumbleweed (1953) Showdown (1963)
Ride Clear of Diablo (1954) Gunfight at Comanche Creek (1963)
Drums Across the River (1954) War is Hell (1963) – narrator
Destry (1954) The Quick Gun (1964)
To Hell and Back (1955) Bullet for a Badman (1964)
World in My Corner (1956) Apache Rifles (1964)
Walk the Proud Land (1956) Arizona Raiders (1965)
Joe Butterfly (1957) Gunpoint (1966)
The Guns of Fort Petticoat (1957) – also The Texican (1966)
produced Trunk to Cairo (1966)
Night Passage (1957) 40 Guns to Apache Pass (1967)
The Quiet American (1958) A Time for Dying (1969) – also produced
 TV credits
General Electric Theater (TV anthology series) – episode: "Incident", with Dwayne Hickman
(February 9, 1958)

Suspicion (TV anthology series) – episode: "The Flight", with Everett Sloane and Jack Warden
(July 5, 1959) – inspired by the disappearance of Jesús Galíndez

Startime (TV anthology series) – episode: "The Man", with Thelma Ritter and Michael J Pollard
(January 5, 1960) – based on a play by Mel Dinelli previously filmed as Beware, My Lovely
(1952)

Whispering Smith (1961) – TV Series – 26 episodes

Songs Written By Audie Murphy

1. Big, Big Day Tomorrow
2. Dusty Old Helmet
3. Elena, Goodbye
4. Foolish Clock
5. Go On And Break My Heart
6. If There Is A Short Cut To Nowhere (I'll Take It)
7. Leave The Weeping To The Willow Tree
8. My Lonesome Room
9. Please Mr. Music Man Play A Song For Me
10. Rattle Dance
11. Round And Round She Goes
12. Shutters And Boards
13. The Only Light I Ever Need Is You
14. Was It All Worth Losing You
15. When The Wind Blows In Chicago
16. Willie The Hummer
 DEATH

Second only to President John F. Kennedy's gravesite, Audie's final resting place
is without a doubt one of the most popular places visited at Arlington National
Cemetery. Despite the size of the cemetery, finding the exact location of Audie
Murphy's burial site is easy. It is directly across the street from the front of the
Arlington National Cemetery Amphitheater. When you arrive at the
amphitheater, you will find Audie's grave across the street from the front of the
amphitheater. The grave is very close to a shady tree. Shortly after Audie was
interred at Arlington, caretakers had to install a special concrete walkway leading
up to the site. The walkway circles the tree and passes directly to the side of
Audie's grave. A chained railing was also provided to add protection to Audie's
final resting place. In the photo below, Audie's grave is located slightly to the right
of the "No Parking" sign. If you look carefully, you can see the American flag
planted on the headstone's left side. Also located very close to Audie's gravesite is
the amphitheater flag pole, known as the Woodhull flag pole, where the Army's
Old Guard daily raises and retires the U.S. flag. As part of their official duties, it is
the Tomb's Sentinels that lower the flag at the Woodhull flag pole. It is officially
known as Retreat and is performed daily immediately following the "1700 hours
Changing of the Guard." This flag detail the retires the colors perhaps 100 feet to
the left of Audie's grave.
 S.A.M.C.
Created to develop, inspire, and motivate the best leaders possible in the U.S.
Army

The Motto: "You lead from the front." -Audie Murphy

General Information: The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club is a private U.S.

Army organization for enlisted non-commissioned officers only. Those NCO's
whose leadership achievements and performance merit special recognition may
possibly earn the reward of membership. Members must... "...exemplify leadership
characterized by personal concern for the needs, training, development, and
welfare of Soldiers and concern for families of Soldiers (FORSCOM Reg. 600-8,
paragraph 1)." If an NCO meets these pre-requisites, the soldier may then be
recommended by his non-commissioned officer chain-of-command to participate
in the rigorous board examination process.

The History: The original club was started at Fort Hood, Texas early in 1986.
There were several key people at Fort Hood - officer, enlisted, civil service, and a
Killeen civilian - who were instrumental in getting this club up and running.
Leading the effort was Lieutenant General Crosbie Saint, then the III Corps
commander; his Command Sergeant Major George L. Horvath; III Corps Awards
Clerk Jean Crisp, and Don Moore, a Killeen artist who assisted with designing the
logo and club awards.

In 1991, then III Corps Commander Lieutenant General Pete Taylor and Command
Sergeant Major Richard B. Cayton expanded the Fort Hood installation club to include
all of III Corps. This included Fort Riley, Kansas; Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Fort Bliss,
Texas; Fort Polk, Louisiana; and Fort Carson, Colorado.

In 1993, CSM Cayton was voted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club by the
membership and then became the Forces Command Sergeant Major. Soon thereafter,
the club became Forces-Command (FORSCOM) wide, including the Reserves and
National Guard.

In 1994 at a Sergeant Major of the Army conference, the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club
spread Army-wide, to all commands with installations retaining the selection process
for their own NCOs. In 1998, it was estimated that the club membership was over 3000
soldiers and was steadily increasing.
The Crest: The crest was designed by one of the original organizers of the club,
Mr. Don Moore, a professional illustrator from Killeen, Texas.

The letters SAMC: an abbreviation for the "Sergeant Audie Murphy Club".

The three stars: separate the letters and represent the "Be", "Know" and "Do"
which is at the core of an Army NCO's professional spirit.

The majestic American Bald Eagle: the national bird and our country's symbol for
freedom. The eagle also represents the intent of the SAMC to be nationwide.

The laurel: represents the individual achievement of the NCO in the club.

The lightning bolt: represents swift and decisive action taken by the NCO.
The sword is a historical reference and is the symbolic tool of the NCO to cut to
the heart of the matter and to lead the charge.

The U.S. Army staff sergeant stripes: represent the highest enlisted rank attained
by Audie Murphy.

The powder-blue streamers: the color of the infantry, indicate the words of the
NCO philosophy: Loyalty, Caring, Discipline, and Professionalism.
The SAMC membership selection process has four phases:
Phase One: Army Commanders nominate their finest NCO leaders for selection as
SAMC members. Candidates are screened by the unit to determine their
leadership ability; training excellence (technical and tactical); care for Soldiers and
families; commitment to Army Values; demonstration of Warrior Ethos, Soldier's
Creed, and NCO Creed.
Phase Two: Units conduct a performance evaluation, based on the training
accomplishments of the candidates and their soldiers.
Phase Three: Units conduct at least one screening board, which will evaluate the
candidate's appearance, bearing, speaking and thinking abilities, mastery of
common warrior tasks (hands-on evaluation) and Army policies and programs
(question-answer evaluation).
Phase Four: The SMDC CSM chairs the final selection board. This board focuses
on a candidate's knowledge of their soldiers and families as well as Army policies
and programs. Emphasis is on situational questions which have no single correct
answer, but which force the candidates to apply policies and programs to given
situations, and to defend the solutions.

The Medallion: When a soldier is inducted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy
Club, he/she is given a formal medallion. The size of the medallion varies in these
photos. The FORSCOM (Forces Command) version is silver and approximately
2.75 inches in diameter. The TRADOC (Training and Doctrine Command)
version is bronze and is approximately 1.75 inches in diameter. The medallion is
suspended by a broad powder-blue ribbon, approximately 18" in length folded.
The ribbon's color represents the symbolic color of the infantry. The medallion is
worn around the neck on the outside of the Class A or Dress Blue uniform for
official functions such as military balls or Sergeant Audie Murphy Club meetings.
Preparing for the Board
You should, at very least, be able to answer all of the questions in this packet, and be
extremely familiar with applicable reference.
Use regulations, field manuals, and soldier training publications as your primary references
for the subject areas.

Personally visit each family/soldier support agency (AER, ACS, ASAP, Chaplain, BOSS,
EO/EEO, EFMP, Red Cross, Safety Office, etc.) on Carlisle Barracks asking for an
overview of the installation-specific operations. This will give you the exact location and
procedures for the specific offices, as well as points of contact and phone numbers. Put them
in your leader book.

Appearing before the Board

Entrance: When you are ready to enter the board room, knock firmly and loudly enough to
demonstrate your confidence and determination. Three or four taps should be enough. Wait
for the invitation to enter and march in the most direct route towards the president of the
board. Halt approximately two steps in front of the president and execute a facing
movement if necessary. Execute a hand salute and report, “Sergeant Major, Sergeant (your
name) reports.”

Initial Inspection: Remember you’re being examined for proper execution of the salute and
proper uniform so you may be holding the salute for a while because of the inspection. After
the president of the board has dropped his/her hand, then drop your salute. After the salute
you will probably be given some facing and marching movements. Make sure that your arm
move at a natural rhythm with your marching movements.

Finding your Seat: In most cases the president of the board will move you directly to the
chair via marching movements. In any case make a mental note of where the chair is located
when you are making your marching or facing movements. When the president tells you to
take your seat, sit at the position of attention: heels and knees together, feet at a 45 degree
angle, and hands resting on top of your legs. Keep your arms to your sides, your head
upright, and your eyes looking at the person that is speaking to you. When the president
introduces each member of the board, acknowledge each member in turn.

Specific Areas of Discussion: The first thing you will probably be asked is for you to tell the
board a little about yourself. Practice your responses several times prior to going to the board
while seated before a mirror or another person.
You should be prepared to explain:
• Why you feel you should be inducted into the SAMC?
• Why you want to become a member of the SAMC?
• What you feel you will contribute to the organization?
• What qualities of yours are similar to those of Audie Murphy?

You should be able to recite the Audie Murphy story and be able to tell the board about
Sergeant
Audie Murphy.
You should be prepared to give a brief background of yourself and you may consider
covering the
following:
• Your family
• Military Service-assignments, duty positions, education, achievements
• Civilian Education
• Community Service
• Short and Long Term Goals

Be prepared to answer situational questions such as:

• You have a SSG assigned as your subordinate. He and his wife are out at a local
recreation area fishing, and he has been drinking alcohol. On the way home, he
gets stopped and gets a DUI. He has been a stellar performer and takes excellent
care of his soldiers. You are now making your recommendation to your BN CDR
on your recommendation for punishment under the UCMJ. What are your
recommendations?
• Now, this same SSG and his wife have been fishing. He has been drinking alcohol,
but she has not. She is the designated driver. However, a poisonous snake bites
her. He gets a DUI while rushing her to the hospital. What would your
recommendation be now?

Responding to Questions: Always begin your answer with the title of the person who asks
the question and a brief restatement of the question. For example: “Sergeant Major, the
publication that governs the wear of the uniform is AR 670-1.” Remember to speak clearly,
confidently and firmly. The board has to decide if you are a worthy soldier. A board is
usually impressed with a soldier who acts and speaks with assurance and tact.

Leaving the Board: When the president of the board is finished with you he/she will say
“dismissed.” Come to the position of attention, move to a position that is within two steps of
the president and salute. Wait until the president’s hand is down before you drop your
salute. In the most direct route execute marching movements towards the door, exit and
close the door behind you.

Sample Sergeant Audie Murphy Board Training

Plan
Week 1
FOCUS: Sergeant Audie Murphy Bio and History
GOALS: Recite the Sergeant Audie Murphy Bio.
STUDY GROUPS: Three sessions
Week 2
FOCUS: Weapons, Land Navigation, FM 23-9 BRM, Promotion Policy and
Regulations
GOALS: Identify and discuss each focus area. Recite the Sergeant Audie Murphy
Bio. Perform well on the Preparatory Board.
STUDY GROUPS: Two sessions
PREPARATORY BOARD: Mock board with Peers as Board Members, focusing
on situational questions, reporting procedures, and composure during board performance.
Week 3
FOCUS: NBC, First Aid, Uniform and Awards AR 670-1, Battle Focused Tng FM
7-1
GOALS: Identify and discuss each focus area. Recite the Sergeant Audie Murphy
Bio.
STUDY GROUPS: Three sessions
Week 4
FOCUS: Leadership, Counseling, Customs and Courtesy, NCOER
GOALS: Identify and discuss each focus area. Improve performance on the Prep
Board.
STUDY GROUPS: Two sessions
PREPARATORY BOARD: Mock board with Subordinates as Board Members,
focusing on situational questions and composure during board performance.
Week 5
FOCUS: PMCS, Supply Economy, Chain of Command, Standards of Conduct
GOALS: Identify and discuss each focus area. Recite the Sergeant Audie Murphy
Bio.
STUDY GROUPS: Three sessions
Week 6
FOCUS: Soldier Support Activities, Education Programs, Sponsorship, U.S.
Government, Unit Policies/History of NCO
GOALS: Identify and discuss each focus area. Improve performance on the Prep
Board.
 STUDY GROUPS: Two sessions
PREPARATORY BOARD: Mock board with Senior NCOs as Board Members,
focusing on situational questions and composure during board performance.

*Study Groups: Groups should include all candidates and should be facilitated by an active
Sergeant Audie Murphy Club Member. Study groups should start with the candidates
reciting Sergeant Audie Murphy Bio and NCO Creed. Groups should be approx 60-90
mins with a focus on situational questions and Audie Murphy facts. All subjects are
cumulative. Each group should focus on articulating answers, military bearing, and
confidence. Groups are only successful if candidates prepare for each study group by
researching the appropriate topics for that week.

General Preparatory Comments

-Preparation and experience are the key to a successful board outcome.
-Read and know Army Regulations and Field Manuals: Study Guides will not work.
Questions are not in the study guide format.
-The more preparatory boards the better. You should never feel that you have enough
knowledge and prep for the board.
-Study groups with Audie Murphy members and fellow candidates are critical.
-Involve peers and subordinated in the process. Discuss with your Soldiers what
membership in the club represents.
-Ensure your preparatory boards are challenging. The Final Audie Murphy board should
not be your most difficult appearance.
-Be able to explain the history of the club, the crest, the motto, and the purpose of induction.
-Know your Soldiers and their strengths and weaknesses. Know your strengths and
weaknesses.
-Have a plan in place to develop the areas of weakness.
-Know the systems in place to assist your Soldiers through multiple situations.(Doesn't
always have to be negative)
-Have more than basic knowledge of the regulations covering leadership, NCO Guide,
Soldier support activities,670-1, etc.
-Have basic knowledge of as many regulations and publications as you can.
-Hold preparatory boards, as often as possible.
-Commit to studying and learn everything you can.
-Takes notes from the mock board AAR. These will assist you in studying. The MOI may
list specific publications and topics to study, but your discussions during the questioning
may take you outside those topics.
-Being prepared will assist. Answer questions honestly.
-Do not tell the board what you think they want to hear. What they want to hear is how
you lead your Soldiers.
-Ensure that board members for preparatory board are prepared with more than just general
knowledge of their topic. The board members need to be able to engage in discussions that
go away from the printed material, this will help you prepare for the Final Selection Board
where one can guarantee that the topics will stray and truly test your expertise on a subject.
-Dedicate the time and energy to studying and reading regulations.
-Definitely know FORSCOM Regulation 600-80.
-Stay current on MILPER Messages and changes to any regulations or field manuals.
-Know the NCO Creed, Soldiers Creed, NCO Vision and Audie Murphy Biography. If you
do not know these you will be told to leave.
-When studying, find out as much about Audie Murphy as possible; Ensure your
knowledge of Audie Murphy goes beyond what is in the Biography.

Selection Board Comments

-Practice your reporting procedures several times. Have a peer critique your salute and
position of attention.
-When answering questions, take the time to address the board member properly and
rephrase the question as part of your answer. This helps in maintaining the flow of your
answer as well as assists in your keeping your composure.
-You will face rapid fire questions from the board members. A goal of the board members is
to force you to lose your composure. Always maintain your bearing and do not lose your
cool.
-When answering questions, use your experience in the subject area of the question. For
example, if a board member asks you a question in reference to a Soldier who has a family
issue, tell them what you did to fix the problem when you dealt with it. Many of the
questions will be in areas that you have dealt with as a leader. Use your experience to your
advantage. Ensure you follow regulatory guidance in your answers.
-When answering questions, only give the board members enough information to answer
the question. Many times the candidate’s answers will open themselves up to additional
scrutiny by all board members.
-If you feel that your answer was misconstrued or taken out of context, continue to address
the issue in order to provide clarity to the board.
-Many Board members will attempt to get you to change your answer. If your answer
follows regulatory guidance, stick to your guns. The board is going to test your mettle.
-Ensure your answers revolve around your actions. The board members do not want to
hear that you will go to the PSG / 1SG with all problems. Tell them what you will do to
address the issue.
-Maintain your bearing during the board and do not get into argument with the board
members. Stick with and state your point articulately and professionally.
-Be prepared to defend/clarify your answers.
-If a board member is questioning your response or jumping to conclusions based on the
information you have provided, ensure you continue to clarify until the board has a clear
understanding of your actions.
-Review current FMs/ARs, know the current doctrine and rules that are in place.
-There will be questions without an obvious right answer, remember the board is looking
for leadership traits when you give your answers.
-Focus on providing answers that demonstrate leadership rather than trying to come up
with the "right" answer.

Leaders Book Information

Leaders Book Should NOT:

- Be an ‘I love me’ book.
- A new binder with everything in document protectors.
- Have outdated information in it.
- Be formatted off a non current unit’s SOP.
- Look pretty and appear to be "new" and unused.
- Contain charts and graphs of data not needed for day-to-day operations.
- Be full of unused or unnecessary GTA Cards.

Leaders Book Should:

- Your real leaders book, the one used on a day to day basis.
- Be used to track your Soldiers’ data – in pencil, where applicable – i.e. APFT/Ht/Wt.
- Be current in all training statistics for your Soldiers.
- Be compliant with the Privacy Act Statement.
- Be used, worn, and practical.
- Contain information about the Soldiers in that leaders charge.
- Should contain working documents.
- For Squad Leaders, the Leaders Book should have a slight ‘motor pool’ smell to it.
- Have the unit’s METL Tasks and your supporting tasks.
- Have training calendar for you and your Soldiers.
- Include your Battle Rhythm.
- Be Soldier and Training based.

Sample Sergeant Audie Murphy Questions

Q: Where and when was Audie Murphy born?
A: Kingston, Texas - June 20, 1924.

Q: How many years of schooling did Audie Murphy have?

A: Five years.

Q: At what age was Audie Murphy orphaned?

A: 16 years old.

Q: Where did Audie Murphy do basic training?

A: Camp Wolters, Texas.

Q: Where did Audie Murphy do advanced training?

A: Fort Meade, Maryland.

Q: What unit was Audie Murphy assigned to during World War II?
A: 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division.

Q: Where did Audie Murphy fight during WWII?

A: North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany.

Q: What was the Service Number of Audie Murphy?

A: 01 692 509.

Q: Name five of the U.S. awards that Audie Murphy earned during WWII?
A: (Any of the following)
Medal of Honor Distinguished Service Cross
Silver Star (1 OLC) Legion of Merit
Bronze Star (w/V, 1 OLC) Purple Heart (2 OLC)
Good Conduct Medal Distinguished Unit Emblem (1 OLC)
American Campaign Medal World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal (w/Germany clasp)
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal (1 Silver Star, 4 Bronze Service Stars)
Q: How many movies did Audie Murphy act in?
A: 44.

Q: How many songs were written by Audie Murphy?

A: 17.

Q: What movie was adapted from the book of Audie Murphy's war experiences?
A: To Hell And Back.
Q: Name the six foreign awards that Audie Murphy earned during WWII?
A: Medal of Liberated France
French Fourragere in colors of the Croix de Guerre
French Legion of Honor, Grade of Chevalier
French Croix de Guerre (w/ Silver Star)
French Croix de Guerre (w/Palm)
Belgian Croix de Guerre (1940 Palm)

Q: Name five movies that Audie Murphy acted in.

40 Guns to Apache Pass Seven Ways from Sundown
A Time for Dying Showdown
Apache Rifles Sierra
Arizona Raiders Six Black Horses
Bad Boy Texas, Heaven and Brooklyn
Battle at Bloody Beach The Cimarron Kid
Beyond Glory The Duel at Silver Creek
Bullet for a Badman The Gun Runners
Cast a Long Shadow The Guns of Fort Petticoat
Column South The Kid from Texas
Destry The Quick Gun
Drums Across the River The Quiet American
Gunpoint The Red Badge of Courage
Gunsmoke The Texican
Hell Bent for Leather The Unforgiven
Joe Butterfly The Wild and the Innocent
Kansas Raiders To Hell and Back
Night Passage Trunk to Cairo
No Name on the Bullet Tumbleweed
Posse from Hell World in My Corner
Ride a Crooked Trail Gunfight at Comanche Creek
Ride Clear of Diablo Seven Ways from Sundown

Q: Name five of the songs written by Audie Murphy.

Shutters And Boards 1962
When The Wind Blows In Chicago 1962
Please Mr. Music Man Play A Song For Me 1962
Foolish Clock 1962
Leave The Weeping To The Willow Tree 1962
The Only Light I Ever Need Is You 1962
Go On And Break My Heart 1963
Willie The Hummer 1963
My Lonesome Room 1963
Elena, Goodbye 1964
Big, Big Day Tomorrow 1964
If There Is A Short Cut To Nowhere (I'll Take It) 1964
Pedro's Guitar 1964
Round And Round She Goes 1965
Rattle Dance 1966
Dusty Old Helmet 1969
Was It All Worth Losing You 1970
Q: What movie star invited Audie Murphy to Hollywood?
A: James Cagney.

Q: Which unit of the Texas Army National Guard did Audie Murphy join in 1950?
A: The 36th Infantry Division ("T-Patches")

Q: What is significant about the year 1955 for Audie Murphy?

A: That was the year his was voted as the Most Popular Western Actor in America by the
Motion Picture Exhibitors.

Q: Was Audie Murphy a member of any fraternal organizations?

A: Yes, he was a Shriner (Mason).

Q: When and how did AUDIE MURPHY die?

A: AUDIE MURPHY was killed in a plane crash on a mountaintop near Roanoke, Virgina
on May 28, 1971. His body was recovered 2 days later, on Memorial Day.
 Sample Situational Questions

Why was the 15th Infantry Regiment famous?

Why do you want to be a member of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club?

What attributes do you share with Audie Murphy?

Why should you be inducted into the Audie Murphy club?

You have a young Soldier new to your platoon and you have a rifle qualification range
scheduled. What are you going to do to ensure the Soldier is prepared for the range?

You are the NCOIC of a range. What are your responsibilities during the train up for the
range? During conduct of the range?

While serving as RSO for a range, you observe a Soldier stand up and begin walking
downrange while the range is still hot. What are your actions?

Conduct headspace and timing on an M2 50 cal machine gun.

What are the steps to emplacing a claymore mine?

While conducting a land navigation course, you observe one of your Soldiers having a
difficult time. What are some areas that you should check to help the Soldier?

A Soldier approaches you and asks what the time in Service and Grade requirements for
promotion to SPC. What do you tell them?

During PCC / PCI, you find that your Soldiers have stopped carrying their protective mask
on patrol. What will you tell them is the reason that carrying it is important?

While on patrol, one of your Soldiers is injured and needs evacuation. Call in the
MEDEVAC.

You receive a Private who is married with four children. What are some of the Support
activities the Army has that you can use to help this Soldier?

Talk me through a performance oriented counseling session with your Soldier.

Tell me about the position of Sergeant Major of the Army.

Who was the first SMA? How many have there been? When was the position created?
What are the duties and responsibilities of the SMA?

Who is your worst Soldier? Who is your best Soldier?

As a PSG, one of your Squad Leaders brings you an NCOER for a young Team Leader
with all excellent blocks, and generic bullets. What are your actions?

What are some ways that early American NCOs were identified by rank?

You have just rec’d a Soldier in the rank of Specialist from another platoon via a
rehabilitative transfer – due to continuous APFT Failures. What actions would you take
initially and how involved would you be in that Soldier’s Physical Training?

During an IPR for an upcoming Military Police Ball, the subject of Leader’s tabs is brought
up and one of the new platoon leaders asks what the history of the leader’s tab is and who
can wear it. Please answer the new LT.

While conducting PT, you notice that one of your Soldiers appears to not be wearing socks,
upon further investigation, you determine that he is wearing socks, but they do not extend
above the rim of the running shoe – is this authorized and what if any action are you going
to take?

One of your Soldiers is a former marine, while in the marines he earned two good conduct
medals, and since joining the army he has earned two good conduct medals. How would
you suggest that he display this on his Class A’s.

You have rec’d a new Soldier from the rear and the Soldier is ready to roll out on the first
mission, what will that Soldier’s tactical uniform consist of.

Over the past 5 yrs, the NBC field has undergone some important changes. Please start
with the new Acronym for NBC and tell us what NBC protective clothing changes have
occurred.

While conducting PCIs, you notice that one of your Soldier’s JSLIST factory vacuum-
sealed bag is punctured? What if any actions are you going to take?

Is there a local CBRN threat – if so, what is it?

While conducting PCIs for a routine mission, you notice that your Soldiers have effectively
stopped carrying their Protective Mask in their assault packs – what are you going to tell
your Soldiers to convince them to continue to carry their pro mask in their assault packs.
You are tasked to conduct NCOPD to all the SSGs in the Battalion – your topic is US
Government – where are you going to start referencing your topic and what areas are you
going to focus on?

This being a Presidential Election Year, a lot of your Soldiers see these AFN commercials
about voting and make sure you vote, etc. For your Soldiers, what would you tell them
about how they can vote?

One of your Soldiers that you know looks up to you, asks you who you are going to vote for
and who they should vote for? What are you going to say to this Soldier.

As you are out and about the living area, you hear some of your Soldiers talking about
voting and that why should they bother, their vote really doesn’t matter any way, do you
intervene and if so what do you say?

During a training meeting the commander states that he needs updated data so he can
prepare for the QTB? As you walk out of the training meeting, one of the LTs asks you
what data the CDR needs and what is a QTB. Please answer the LT.

Why do you think there is such a problem with negligent discharges within the Brigade?

Why do you think there is such a problem with inappropriate relationships?

Why don't Platoon Leaders rate Squad Leaders? Why do PSG's rate them?
Don't you think we should just let the PL do that stuff?

How often do you talk with your Soldiers? Face to face one on one, not
formations or group settings?

How often do I check Soldier's living conditions? Do you have females in your platoon?
How often do you check their rooms?

Authorized awards? Time periods for the ICM campaign stars.

Be ready to explain your APFT and HT/WT results that are listed in your leaders book.

Explain your special conditioning PT program.

 Army Regulations of Special Study Emphasis

ARMY REGULATIONS ADP / ADRP

215-3 Nonappropriated Funds Personnel Policy 1 The Army
220-45 Duty Rosters 1-02 Operational Terms and Military Symbols
25-400-2 Army Records Information Management 2-0 Intelligence
System
27-10 Military Justice 3-0 Unified Land Operations
350-1 Army Training and Leader Development 3-05 Special Operations
350-30 Code of Conduct 3-07 Stability
385-10 The Army Safety Program 3-09 Fires
525-29 ARFORGEN 3-28 Defense Support of Civil Authorities
600-20 Army Command Policy 3-37 Protection
600-25 Salutes, Honors, and Visits of Courtesy 3-90 Offense and Defense
600-60 Physical Performance Evaluation System 4-0 Sustainment
600-8-10 Leaves and Passes 5-0 The Operations Process
600-8-19 Enlisted Promotions and Reductions 6-0 Mission Command
600-8-2 Suspension of Favorable Personnel Actions 6-22 Army Leadership
600-8-22 Military Awards 7-0 Training Units and Developing Leaders
600-8-8 The Total Army Sponsorship Program
600-85 The Army Substance Abuse Program DA
PAM
600-9 The Army Weight Control Program 600- Noncommissioned Officer Profssional
25 Development Guide
601-280 Army Retention Program 600- Relationships Between Soldiers of Different
35 Ranks
608-1 Army Community Service 623- Noncommissioned Officer Evaluation
205 Reporting System
608-18 The Army Family Advocacy Program 623-3 Evaluation Reporting System
608-99 Family Support, Child Cusody, and 750-1 Leaders Unit Maintenance Handbook
Paternity
621-202 Army Educational Incentives and 750-8 Army Maintenance Management System
Entitlements
621-5 Army Continuing Education System
623-205 Enlisted Evaluation Reporting System FIELD MANUAL
623-3 Evaluation Reporting System 7-22.7 Army Noncommissioned Officer Guide
630-10 AWOL 3-22.9 Rifle Marksmanship, M-16/M-4 Series
Weapon
630-10 Processing Personnel for Seperation 3- MK 19, 40-mm Grenade Machine Gun, MOD 3
 22.27
635-200 Active Enlisted Administrative Seperations 3- Crew Served Weapons
22.68
670-1 Wear and Apperance of Army Uniforms 3- Combat Training with Pistols, M9/M11
23.35
702-11 Army Quality Program 24-18 Tactical Single-Channel Radio Communications
Techniques
750-1 Army Materiel Maintenance Policy 7-22 Army Physical Readiness Training
840-1 Department of the Army Seal 7-15 Army Universal Task List
840-10 Flags 5-02 Operational Enviroment
930-1 USO 4- First Aid
25.11
930-4 Army Emergency Relief
TRADOC Reg 600-14
TC Vario Soldiers Manual of Common Tasks Warrior
us STP 1,2,3,4
3-21.5 Drill and Ceremonies ALARACT MESSAGE
26-6 Commanders Equal Oppurtunity MILPER MESSAGE
Handbook
25-26 Land Navigation MCM-Manual for Courts Matial
 Helpful Websites

http://www.armymwr.com
http://www.myarmyonesource.com/default.aspx
http://www.ncoausa.org
http://www.armystudyguide.com
http://www.audiemurphy.com/index.htm
www.apd.army.mil
http://new.armymwr.com/recleisure/single/resources.aspx
www.hrc.army.mil/
www.army.mil/dadt
http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil
http://www.ausa.org/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.forscom.army.mil
https://www.acap.army.mil
www.military.com/
www.acsap.army.mil/
www.armyfrg.org/
www.goarmyed.com/
https://actnow.army.mil/
www.sexualassault.army.mil/links.cfm
www.armyprt.com/
http://www.biography.com/people/audie-murphy-9418662

This study guide was made by the Fort Carson SAMC in hopes to help motive NCO’s and young
soldiers to want to strive for excellence.