“Freedom Flies in Your Heart Like an Eagle” by Audie Murphy (in English)

Dusty old helmet, rusty old gun,

They sit in the corner and wait.

Two souvenirs of the Second World War

That have witnessed the time and the hate.

Mute witness to a time of much trouble

Where kill or be killed was the law.

Were these implements used with high honor?

What was the glory they saw?

Many times I've wanted to ask them...

And now that we're here, all alone,

Relics all three of that long ago war. . .

Where has freedom gone?

Freedom flies in your heart like an eagle.

Let it soar with the winds high above

Among the Spirits of soldiers now sleeping.

Guard with care and with love.

I salute my old friends in the corner.

I agree with all they have said . . .

And if the moment of truth comes tomorrow,

I'll be free, or by God, I'll be dead!

1968

“Alone and Far Removed” by Audie Murphy (in English)

Alone and far removed from earthly care

The noble ruins of men lie buried here.

You were strong men, good men

Endowed with youth and much the will to live.

I hear no protest from the mute lips of the dead.

They rest: there is no more to give.

So long my comrades,

Sleep ye where you fell upon the field.

But tread softly please

March O'er my heart with ease.

March on and on,

But to God alone we kneel.

“The Crosses Grow On Anzio” by Audie Murphy (in English)

Oh, gather 'round me, comrades; and

listen while I speak

Of a war, a war, a war where hell is

six feet deep.

Along the shore, the cannons roar. Oh

how can a soldier sleep?

The going's slow on Anzio. And hell is

six feet deep.

Praise be to God for this captured sod that

rich with blood does seep.

With yours and mine, like butchered

swine's; and hell is six feet deep.

That death awaits there's no debate;

no triumph will we reap.

The crosses grow on Anzio, where hell is

six feet deep.

1948