Army Col. Argyle Willem Houghton served for 31 years, a career that spanned from the post-World War I era through the Korean War. His military service included a direct, personal witness to the combat actions of Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier in American history. As We Are The Mighty reported, Houghton’s connection to the Army began in 1922 when he enlisted at age 16, lying about his age to join the ranks.
Enlisting in the Interwar Years
Houghton grew up in a small Texas town, eventually seeking a military career influenced by family members who served in the U.S. Army. His decision to enlist in 1922 came despite his awareness of the physical toll service took on his relatives; he recounted in a 2004 interview at the Audie L. Murphy Veterans Hospital how a family member struggled with recurring malaria while stationed in Panama.
By the time the United States entered World War II, Houghton was a seasoned officer with nearly two decades of experience. His unit, the 15th Infantry Regiment, saw extensive combat across Africa, Italy, France, and Germany. During the campaign, he witnessed the harsh realities of industrialized warfare, including the destruction of German horse-drawn artillery and supply wagons by Allied airpower.
Serving Alongside Audie Murphy
Houghton’s military history is notable for his proximity to Audie Murphy. The two served together in the 15th Infantry Regiment, where Houghton served under Murphy after the latter received a battlefield commission to second lieutenant and took command of Baker Company.
Houghton characterized Murphy as a talented, multitalented soldier who wrote poetry and songs. Despite their professional rapport, Houghton noted they often argued, describing their dynamic as "going round and round." On Jan. 26, 1945, Houghton was present when Murphy earned the Medal of Honor by holding off a German assault from atop a burning tank destroyer. Murphy was credited with killing or wounding approximately 50 German troops during the engagement before running out of ammunition.
Transitioning to Post-War Life
Following his service in the Korean War, Houghton retired from the Army as a colonel. He transitioned into a civilian career as a geophysicist, working for oil and mineral extraction companies. In his 2004 interview, conducted when he was 99 years old, Houghton maintained a humble perspective on his long tenure, insisting that his fellow service members deserved as much recognition as he received.
Houghton and Murphy Clashed Despite Mutual Respect in Combat
What was the nature of the relationship between Houghton and Audie Murphy?
Houghton and Murphy served in the same unit, with Murphy eventually taking command of the company Houghton served in. While Houghton respected Murphy’s combat effectiveness, he noted that the two frequently argued, which he described as a normal part of soldiering.
How did Houghton view the combat actions he witnessed?
Houghton provided blunt assessments of the war, including his observation of Murphy’s Medal of Honor action, which he described in the 2004 interview as a high-risk gamble. He also recounted the grim necessity of putting down wounded horses that had been struck by Allied airpower while pulling German supply wagons.
What happened to Houghton after his military retirement?
After retiring as a colonel following the Korean War, Houghton pursued a career as a geophysicist. He spent his later years in the civilian sector, working for various mineral and oil extraction companies until his later life.
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