To Hell And Back.

AUDIE MURPHY

Publication: Henry Holt and Company, 1949, New York

First edition. Inked inscription on the front fly leaf: "2-17-49 To Mrs. Mooney / my best to you. / Audie" On the front pastedown sheet is the inked name of the recipient of this book "Will C. Mooney (Mrs. Adelaide William Cornelius Mooney)." The book is dated Feb. 17,1949, at the beginning of his promotional book tour, and just 3 weeks before Murphy’s famed appearance as guest honoree on “This is Your Life” March, 8, 1949. Fine, bright, tight copy with red top edges bright and sharp, in a spectacular bright, lightly rubbed dust jacket with light wear to the spine ends and corners, with a few tiny nicks to the extremities. This is a one-of-a-kind autobiography of a war hero who served in Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany during World War II. Audie Murphy was a Texas boy who became America's most decorated soldier of World War II, having received twenty-one medals, including our highest award, the Medal of Honor. In 1955 a movie version based on the autobiography of Audie Murphy's life was produced. Audie Murphy starred as himself along with Jack Kelly as Kerrigan, David Janssen as Lt. Lee, Denver Pyle as Thompson, and a cast of many others. In the story, Murphy portrays a brutal, harsh struggle to survive, where the only thing that matters is keeping oneself and one's friends alive. Even through his movie career spanned 44 films, he struggled for years with PTSD, violent mood swings, gambling addictions, and drug dependency, before finally dying in a plane crash May 28, 1971 in a private plane. Laid-in are newspaper clippings telling of his death in this tragic crash. A spectacular copy of an important World War II book and an increasingly difficult title. Audie Murphy autographs are uncommon and the book is an exceptional copy with the elusive dust jacket.

Inventory Number: 51494