Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal and Ribbon Set

At the time the medal was presented to Audie Murphy, the Army Outstanding Civilian Service award was the second highest civilian incentive consisting of a bronze medal, lapel button, and a citation (see footnote).

It is awarded to civilians not employed by the Army, Federal Government officials at the policy development level, or technical personnel who assist the army as a consultant or advisor.

Audie Murphy was awarded this medal on Tuesday, November 7, 1961 (see referenced newspaper clipping) for his unpaid contributions as a technical advisor, consultant, and actor in the Army documentary film "The Broken Bridge". Filmed at White Sands Missle Range, New Mexico, Europe and in Hollywood around 1960, the 40 minute public film discussed the U.S. Army's expanding role in missile weaponry systems.

The film also featured appearances by Audie's two sons, Terry Michael Murphy and James Shannon "Skipper" Murphy (Simpson, page 411).

FOOTNOTE: In 1961, the Decoration for Distinguished Civilian Service was the only other civilian service award that had a higher precedence. In 1998 the Secretary of the Army Public Service Award was created and was placed second in the order of precedence, just above the U.S. Army Outstanding Civilian Service Award (see reference AR 672-20, dated 29 January 1999, paragraphs 9-1, 9-2.1, and 9-3, pages 12-13).