There are no war films more storied than this one. Audie Murphy starring as himself in a retelling of the real-life hell of war that he braved his way through in order to save lives and do his duty. It is the courage of one soldier, and of all soldiers, brought to vivid life through film. Most know that Murphy, a young man turned down by three military branches, became the most decorated soldier of WWII, but the movie was also a giant success. In fact, it was the highest grossing picture for Universal until the streak was beaten by Jaws twenty years later.

We’re celebrating all week with war films. Today we learn how the actions of one man can affect an entire nation.