"The Crosses Grow on Anzio" by Audie Murphy, feat. SSG Peter Walker

Known as America's most decorated World War II combat Soldier, Major Audie Murphy had many hobbies, including raising quarter horses, acting, and even writing poetry.

Today, on his birthday, U.S. Army Band Soldier Staff Sgt. Peter Walker performs Maj. Murphy's poem, "The Crosses Grow On Anzio," set to the tune of an old cowboy song. Staff Sgt. Walker chose this tune based on a scene described in Maj. Murphy's memoir, "To Hell and Back," and as a nod to his Texas roots.

Maj. Murphy's words capture the resilience and courage of the brave Soldiers he fought alongside who served our nation during a theater of war that would permanently alter the international order of the world's nations lasting to present day. We remember their service and celebrate this remarkable man, a true American hero.