Wally,

I don't know for sure about Audie Murphy... but I believe he chose to leave
the Army following WW II. The "System" in the Army does a good job of
ensuring genuine combat heros move upward in rank with their peers. Murphy
would probably have had a highly sucessful career had he desired to remain
in the Army.

Certainly reaching the rank of Colonel is a significant accomplishment.
During COL Hackworth's era the typical rank held by an officer upon
retirement was Lt Col.

Not sure what my rank has to do with the discussion as I was never in "the
hunt". It's probably unwise of me to state my rank but as you seem to want
to know..... it's CWO5, USA (Ret).

Butch
"WaIIy" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 29 Sep 2004 13:18:41 GMT, "Butch Davis"
wrote:

As a guy who soldiered for 35+ years I'll wade in on this issue.

COL Hackworth was a great combat soldier and a real example to all of us.
I
was disappointed by the Ranger Tab issue but it takes nothing from his
proven bravery in battle.

That the "most decorated living soldier" did not rise above the rank of
COL
indicates that the Army felt he did not rank above his peers when it came
to
important attributes required of senior leaders.

Audie Murphy didn't either.

Combat effectiveness doesn't necessarily translate into
administrative/planning leadership.

Of course, a full bird colonel isn't chump change.

What was your rank?