Dr. Smith will look at the experiences of two outstanding military heroes: George Dewey and Audie Murphy. Dewey was a distinguished career Officer who served in the navy for 40 years and was the only person in US history to attain the rank of Admiral of the Navy. Murphy, as a teenager became WWII’s most decorated soldier, and after the war established himself as a popular movie and TV actor.

Both men faced daunting challenges and each responded to those challenges in a uniquely personal way that reflects the society and ideals of his individual time period.