WHEN challenged to defend their freedom, Americans h, ave always stood ready to defend it with courage and daring-and each war in which the Nation has been engaged has produced its own special heroes. As America's most decorated hero of World War II, Audie Murphy not only won the admiration of millions for his own brave exploits; he also came to epitomize the gallantry in action of America's fighting men. The Nation stands in his debt, and mourns at his death.
Note: Mr. Murphy, 46, died in an airplane crash near Roanoke, Va., on May 28, 1971.
The President was represented at the burial service at Arlington National Cemetery by George Bush, United States Representative to the United Nations, and Lt. Col. Vernon Coffey, Army Aide to the President.
Richard Nixon, Statement About the Death of Audie Murphy Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/240222