Packaging: The cover features a top notch painting of Audie Murphy on a tank destroyer manning a .50 caliber machine gun. The inner flap of the box provides information about Audie Murphy's life and movie career.
History: Murphy commanded Company B in France, which was attacked by 6 tanks and waves of infantry. Murphy ordered his men to withdraw to the woods, while he remained forward at his command post and continued to give fire directions to the artillery by telephone. Behind him, a U.S. tank destroyer received a direct hit and began to burn. Its crew withdrew to the woods. Murphy continued to direct artillery fire which killed large numbers of the advancing enemy infantry. With the enemy tanks abreast of his position, Murphy climbed on the burning tank destroyer, which was in danger of blowing up at any moment, and employed its .50 caliber machine gun against the enemy. He was alone and exposed to German fire from 3 sides, but his deadly fire killed dozens of Germans and caused their infantry attack to waver. The enemy tanks, losing infantry support, began to fall back. For an hour the Germans tried every available weapon to eliminate 2d Lt. Murphy, but he continued to hold his position and wiped out a squad which was trying to creep up on his right flank. Germans reached as close as 10 yards, only to be mowed down by his fire. He received a leg wound, but ignored it and continued the single-handed fight until his ammunition was exhausted. He then made his way to his company, refused medical attention, and organized the company in a counterattack which forced the Germans to withdraw. His directing of artillery fire wiped out many of the enemy; he killed or wounded about 50.
Headsculpt: This sculpt looks very accurate compared to photos of Audie Murphy from that era. Murphy was not only a great hero, but a movie actor too. He was best known for playing himself in the hit movie To Hell And Back.
Articulation: This box had a CC body with a Gung Ho grip. The Audie Murphy headsculpt is probably one of the best Hasbro has ever done. The detail is excellent!
Outfit & Gear: The outfit is made of quality fabric, double-stitched in parts. Murphy is wearing a shirt, scarf, and a jacket, along with pants and a nice pair of boots. The web built is rubber with grommets. Included are ammo pouches and an M-1 carbine, and a Model 1911 pistol and holster. The helmet is exceptional, as good as it gets. The .50 caliber machine gun belongs on the tank, but it has a tripod. It is a nice set, and the outfit is the highlight. More web-belt gear would have been a plus for this set.
Grade: A+
