Arrowhead Soldier Selected For Audie Murphy Club

1-2 SBCT, 7th Infantry Division
Story by Pvt. Zach Zuber

Date: 01.31.2010
Posted: 01.31.2010 07:18
News ID: 44679
Arrowhead Soldier Selected For Audie Murphy Club

DIYALA, Iraq — An examination board composed of senior non-commissioned officers reviewed six NCOs from 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, who were nominated to become members for the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club. The club honors the achievements of the most decorated soldier of World War II.

Of the six NCOs, the board chose to recommend one for induction, Staff Sgt. Joseph Spicer, senior Human Intelligence Collector for Bronco Troop, 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment.

During World War II Audie Murphy received every medal available in the U.S. Army at that time, to include the Medal of Honor, the Army's highest award for valor, as well as three Polish medals and a French one. He reached the rank of staff sergeant before being discharged.

"This is definitely a culminating event," said Spicer, a native of Baltimore, Md. "There was a lot of stuff to learn, but now that it's done there is no more pressure."

The board reviewed basic Soldier skills, knowledge of current events, and assessed the NCOs' moral compass by judging their reactions to a variety of hypothetical real-life situations. They also posed questions to test the Soldiers on the life and history of Audie Murphy. Soldiers selected by the board must excel in all of these areas. In addition they must demonstrate a high level of confidence in explaining their responses to the board, in order to prove they have the qualities shown by the club's namesake.

"This is the epitome of being an NCO, earning the distinction of being a member of the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club," said Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse L. Andrews Jr., United States Division-North command sergeant major.

Each Soldier learns during the board as well, receiving a critique from board members after their examination is complete. Reviewing their individual performance allows the NCOs to learn what skills they can work on as they return to their units.

"This allows me to look at myself as a leader, and learn how to better myself," said Spicer. "Ultimately, this is a great experience that I can take back to my Soldiers."