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The Military District of Washington Sergeant Audie Murphy Club salute in honor of Audie Murphy during the 2013 annual wreath laying ceremony celebrated on his birthday, June 20th, at Audie Murphy's grave site in Arlington National Cemetery.

The Military District of Washington Sergeant Audie Murphy Club salute in honor of Audie Murphy during the 2013 annual wreath laying ceremony celebrated on his birthday, June 20th, at Audie Murphy's grave site in Arlington National Cemetery. (Rick Vasquez/Stars and Stripes)

The Military District of Washington Sergeant Audie Murphy Club salute in honor of Audie Murphy during the 2013 annual wreath laying ceremony celebrated on his birthday, June 20th, at Audie Murphy's grave site in Arlington National Cemetery.

The Military District of Washington Sergeant Audie Murphy Club salute in honor of Audie Murphy during the 2013 annual wreath laying ceremony celebrated on his birthday, June 20th, at Audie Murphy's grave site in Arlington National Cemetery. (Rick Vasquez/Stars and Stripes)

MSG William E. Haddon, president of the Military District of Washington Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, salutes in honor of Audie Leon Murphy, one of the most highly decorated Soldiers in American history, during the annual wreath laying ceremony at Audie Murphy’s grave site in Arlington National Cemetery. “It’s a huge honor to for us to be a member of this club for one. And two, to be able to come out and be here in the Military District of Washington and to be able to honor such a great hero,� said MSG Haddon during his opening remarks at the wreath laying ceremony.

MSG William E. Haddon, president of the Military District of Washington Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, salutes in honor of Audie Leon Murphy, one of the most highly decorated Soldiers in American history, during the annual wreath laying ceremony at Audie Murphy’s grave site in Arlington National Cemetery. “It’s a huge honor to for us to be a member of this club for one. And two, to be able to come out and be here in the Military District of Washington and to be able to honor such a great hero,� said MSG Haddon during his opening remarks at the wreath laying ceremony. (Rick Vasquez/Stars and Stripes)

Sgt. 1st Class Nicola Felder recites on Audie Murphy's biography on June 20, 2013 during the annual wreath laying ceremony celebrated on his birth date.

Sgt. 1st Class Nicola Felder recites on Audie Murphy's biography on June 20, 2013 during the annual wreath laying ceremony celebrated on his birth date. (Rick Vasquez/Stars and Stripes)

This a Sergeant Audie Murphy Club medallion worn by members selected to be a part of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. This particular medallion is worn by MSG William E. Haddon, president of the Military District of Washington Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.

This a Sergeant Audie Murphy Club medallion worn by members selected to be a part of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. This particular medallion is worn by MSG William E. Haddon, president of the Military District of Washington Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. (Rick Vasquez/Stars and Stripes)

Audie Murphy’s grave site in Section 46 at the National Arlington Cemetery.

Audie Murphy’s grave site in Section 46 at the National Arlington Cemetery. (Rick Vasquez/Stars and Stripes)

Audie Murphy's grave site on June 20th, 2013.

Audie Murphy's grave site on June 20th, 2013. (Rick Vasquez/Stars and Stripes)

The Military District of Washington Sergeant Audie Murphy Club held an annual wreath-laying ceremony on what would have been the soldier and actor’s 89th birthday, at his grave site at the Arlington National Cemetery last week.

Murphy is one of the most decorated soldiers in American history, earning every medal of valor that the U.S. awards. He is also credited with being one of the first famous people to bring attention to what was then called “battle fatigue” - also known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD.

Murphy died on May 28, 1971 in a plane crash in the mountain range of Roanoke, Virginia. He was born June 20, 1924.

“It’s a huge honor to for us to be a member of this club for one,” said Master Sgt. William E. Haddon, president of the Audie Murphy Club, during his opening remarks at the wreath-laying ceremony. “And two, to be able to come out and be here in the Military District of Washington and to be able to honor such a great hero.”

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