National Infantry Museum shortly after the grand opening. Photo source: http://www.nationalinfantrymuseum.com .

Fort Benning, Georgia is location of the U.S. Army Infantry Center. Here you can find young infantry recruits, or "trainees", who have recently enlisted and are going through basic and advanced individual training. This installation is also the home of the U.S. Army Airborne school where soldiers and service members from all military services are instructed in combat parachuting skills. It is also the home of the Infantry. For these reasons, Ft. Benning is also the home of the National Infantry Museum which exhibits rare Audie Murphy artifacts and memorabilia.

The museum was formerly housed in an old World War II hospital building. In 2009, it moved to a new structure (see photo above) created specifically for the purpose of housing the museum exhibits. The photos on this page were taken before the museum moved to its new location.

Inside the building are a series of displays which focus on historical eras of the infantry beginning with the Revolutionary War. One of the exhibits is dedicated to the Medal of Honor and infantry recipients including Audie Murphy. Audie's Medal of Honor display includes a Medal of Honor certificate, his Medal of Honor citation, a pistol presented to Audie Murphy by James Cagney, a framed summary of his career, a small scale replica of the bronze statue located now in front of the Audie Murphy Memorial Veteran's Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, a dress cap worn by Audie Murphy, and some of his actual dress uniform ribbons.

The Army colt revolver was given to Audie Murphy by the famous actor James Cagney. Shortly after the end of the war, James Cagney invited Audie Murphy to Hollywood and helped Audie begin his career in acting. The inscription on the revolver's wooden base says "To Frank - Happy Birthday - Audie". Apparently, Audie had the revolver mounted and later gave the revolver as a gift to someone named Frank. Audie Murphy's initials are also carved diagonally near the bottom of the pistol butt.

Another exhibit features the history of World War II. It also has Audie Murphy items including an oil portrait of Audie Murphy in uniform. There is a dress uniform mounted on a mannequin with the ribbons and service stripes Audie Murphy earned. It is not known if this is an actual uniform worn by Audie Murphy but it is an accurate representation of what Audie's uniform would have looked like at the end of the war.

James Cagney gift pistol presented to Audie Murphy. According to the inscription, the pistol was later given by Audie Murphy to someone named "Frank."

Dress uniform cap worn by Audie Murphy.

Military dress ribbon display of Audie Murphy.

Medal of Honor display case of Audie Murphy at the National Infantry Museum, Fort Benning, Georgia.

Oil portrait of Audie Murphy at the National Infantry Museum, Fort Benning, Georgia.

National Infantry Museum display of a small bronze scale replica statue of Audie Murphy. The original statue is found in front of the Audie Murphy Veterans Memorial Hospital, San Antonio Texas.

Military uniform display of Audie Murphy at the National Infantry Museum, Fort Benning, Georgia.

Closeup of Audie Murphy's military ribbons on the mannequin display at the National Infantry Museum, Fort Benning, Georgia.