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The Crusades were a series of military conflicts in the Middle Ages between Christians and Muslims battling for control of the Holy Land. There were many key crusades and key crusading figuresmen like King Richard I of England, Philip Augustus of France, Pope Urban II, Baldwin of Flanders, Saladinthe list goes on and on. But few have heard of this minor crusade. This article will delve into the Childrens Crusade, and how it came to be.Background to the Childrens CrusadeThe Childrens Crusade, by Gustave Dor, 1877. Source: The Open LibraryIn history, facts can become distorted. Facts can become myths, myths can become legends, and legends can disappear, only to resurface years later.In some ways, this is what happened with the Childrens Crusade. There are a few contemporary accounts, which date the events to around the year 1212which wouldve been 117 years after Pope Urban II called for the mighty First Crusade, over half a century since the disastrous Second Crusade, and 20 years after the raucous Third Crusade.Understandably, crusading fever was at an all-time high in Christendom. The Third Crusade included figures such as Richard the Lionheart of England, Philip Augustus of France, Guy of Lusignan, Frederick Barbarossa on the side of Christendom and the formidable Muslim leader Saladin on the side of Islam, or the infidel, as the Crusaders referred to them as.With huge names like these, it is little surprise that crusading fever reached its climax in Europe at that timeand especially in Western Europe, where the immediate effects of crusading were less prominent on the landscape than in Eastern or even Central Europe.Why Childrens Crusade?Peter the Hermit Preaching the First Crusade, by James Archer, 1883. Source Project GutenbergIt is little surprise then, with crusading fever hitting an all-time high, that even children got wind of it.It is important to place this event in the context of the timelife at that time was centered around the Church. The latest popular developments, political strife, and even scientific and technological advances were mentioned in and around the Church.The medieval Church was also funded largely by tithespeople would donate anything from money to agricultural produce to the Church, and it became an incredibly powerful institution. Hence the Pope became the most powerful man in Europe at the time.This meant that children were as aware of the goings-on in and around the Church as many adults wereand children who took religious fervor particularly seriously would undoubtedly have heard tales about crusaders and crusading. They would have heard about it as an honorable and good thingto reclaim the Holy Land rightfully for Christendom, and take it out of the hands of the infidel for good.Tales of King Richard the Lionhearts brave efforts at Acre, the first Crusaders at Antioch, the Kings of Jerusalem, and more wouldve turned from factual and bloodily horrifying accounts of medieval warfare into tales of chivalry and legendundoubtedly not just inspiring adults, but inspiring young children, too.This is the most likely explanation for how the Childrens Crusade came to bebut how did children organize such a major event?Nicholas of Colognes CrusadePope Innocent III, c. 1219. Source: Wikimedia CommonsThere were two main Childrens Crusades. One was led by a young French boy, aged around 12 years old, known as Stephen of Cloyes. The other was centered around a young German boy known as Nicholas of Cologne.Nicholas, whose exact age is unknown, but who was clearly no older than a teenager, was a shepherd from the Rhineland region of Germany. Nicholas was insistent that an angel had visited him and told him to start a crusade.However, rather than kill Muslims, Nicholas was insistent that the angel had told him that they would instead be converted from Islam to Christianity.Many people followed young Nicholass sermons and preaching, and this eventually culminated in people massing together in the German city of Cologne in the Spring of 1212.Nicholass plan was to lead his followers from Germany to Italy, believing that God would open up the sea for him as he had done for Moses in the Bible, thus marking an easy way to cross from Europe to the Holy Land.Reportedly around 7,000 people who had followed Nicholas arrived in the northern Italian port city of Genoa in late August 1212, meaning that Nicholas had successfully led thousands of people across the Alps which was a feat in and of itself.However, upon arriving at Genoa Harbor, many were disappointed that the sea did not open up for them. While many left, criticizing Nicholas, many more stayed, because it was unthinkable that God would simply not open the sea for such a just and worthy cause in the name of Christendom.It was not all bad, thoughthe Genoese authorities were so impressed by the Crusaders rigor and determination that they offered them citizenship in the citywhich many of the weary travelers gladly accepted.Childrens Crusade, Monogrammist LIW, Dutch, ca. 1550-80. Source: The MET, New YorkNicholas, determined to see his journey through, instead traveled to Pisa, with more and more followers abandoning him along the way. Interestingly, two ships that were set to go to Palestine allegedly embarked with some of the children, meaning that some children could potentially have reached the Holy Land.However, Nicholas continued onward to the Papal States, eventually meeting with the legendary medieval Pope Innocent III, which shows how serious word about this Childrens Crusade had become. After the pontiff told them to be good and return to their families back in Germany, many more children left.Nicholas, however, died on his return back to Germany while crossing the Alps. Nicholass father, upon receiving the news, was arrested and hanged for his part in allowing his son to take so many children across the Alps with him in the first place.While Nicholas never reached the Holy Land, it was reported that some of his most dedicated followers had reached places as far as Brindisi, but there were no confirmed accounts that any children had reached the Holy Land. The best chance is perhaps those who embarked on the ships bound for Palestine.Stephen of Cloyess CrusadePhilip II, Augustus, by Louis Felix Amiel, 1837. Source: French Ministry of CulturePerhaps the better-known of the two Childrens Crusades was the one led by a 12-year-old French boy known as Stephen of Cloyes.In June of the same year (1212), another shepherd boy, called Stephen of Cloyes, bore a letter to the King of France (King Philip II of France), which had been given to him by Jesus himself, disguised as a poor pilgrim.This claim attracted large groups of similar-aged children (as well as some adults), with some claiming that they could also perform miracles. Stephens following was larger than Nicholass, amassing some 30,000 followers at its peak.They headed to Saint-Denis, but Philip II ordered that these children should return home instead as they were not old enough to undertake a crusade. Philip was also not convinced of the alleged miracles that some of the children could perform and refused to take them seriously.Not to be dissuaded, Stephen began to preach his sermon at nearby abbeys, before traveling around France spreading the word of his crusade with many of his followers. His primary message was that he, the other children, and many followers were going to lead charges of Christ from France to Jerusalem and liberate the Holy Land once and for all. Many children were awed by his sermons, and many adults were equally as impressed.View of Jerusalem, by Konrad von Grunenberg, 1487. Source: Wikimedia CommonsBy the end of June, Stephen led his followers from Vendme to Marseille in the south of France, and while they were largely sustained by begging, many felt disheartened and had returned home, so his following shrunk.Unfortunately, it was also a sad end for Stephen and his followers, with no reported children ever reaching the Holy Land. Two French merchants in Marseille (William of Posqueres and Hugh of Iron) offered to take any children to the Holy Land for a small fee in their boats.Some of the children accepted but they never reached the Holy Land. There are two differing reportsone states that they were shipwrecked off the coast of Sardinia, while another claims that they were instead taken to Tunisia and sold into slavery there.The Legacy of the Childrens CrusadeLouis IX during the Seventh Crusade, by Guillaume de Saint-Pathus, c. 1350. Source: Wikimedia CommonsWhile both crusades came to sad ends (and some historians even question the legitimacy of them being called crusades because a pope never officiated them), it is important to recognize the social impact that both crusades had.While some elements have likely been exaggerated, it is still nevertheless impressive that two children managed to amass almost 40,000 followersmainly childrento go on a crusade to liberate the Holy Land in the name of Christendom.It can be argued that the children only knew the best bits of the Crusadesthe heroic chivalric momentsand not the harsh reality of medieval siege warfare and the horrors of war in general.The fact that both had meetings with key figures in the medieval worldPope Innocent III and King Philip II of France, respectivelyshows how serious they were about crusading, but also how serious the Church and the state took their ideas, even if they did both dismiss them in the end.The Childrens Crusade (or rather, crusades), should not be a forgotten corner of medieval history. Instead, the impact that the two boys had at the peak of crusading fever in medieval Europe shows just how far people (children) were willing to go in the name of Christianity.

Every soldier, marine, sailor, and airman who served in World War II deserves honor and respect for participating in the worlds most significant modern conflict. One American, however, emerged as a stellar combat leader with more decorations than any other person in the history of the American armed forces. His name is Audie Murphy, and aside from his remarkable wartime accomplishments, the larger-than-life figure also became a famous Hollywood actor, renowned autobiographer, and advocate for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. His amazing story stems from humble beginnings in Texas.Early LifeUSS Arizona on fire following the Pearl Harbor attacks, 1941. Source: Library of CongressAudie Murphy was forged by hardship before his courageous exploits during World War II. Born in Kingston, Texas, in 1925, Murphy was one of twelve children. Left largely to their own devices under an absent sharecropper father, Murphy provided for the family by hunting small animals around the neighborhood. Murphys mother passed away one year after his father abandoned the family in 1940, leaving the teenager to navigate an uncertain future. Destined to make something of himself, the future Army legend attempted to enlist with various branches of the military after the attack on Pearl Harbor, however, he was routinely dismissed to his young age and thin build at just 100 pounds. Eventually, with supporting testimony from his sister claiming that he was 18, Murphy falsified his birth certificate and enlisted in the Army as soon as he turned 17 years old in 1942.World War II ServiceAudie Murphys field jacket, 1985. Source: National Museum of American History, Smithsonian InstitutionMurphys short stature did not prohibit him from being as a remarkable soldier, and he quickly attained the rank of corporal after impressing his superior officers. After completing basic training, Murphy deployed to the North African Front and later, southern Italy. In 1944, Murphy witnessed the killing of a close comrade by a German soldier who pretended to surrender. Enraged, Murphy stormed the German position, captured their machine guns, which he used to neutralize his remaining foes. For his actions during Operation Dragoon in southern France, Murphy was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, one of many military accolades that contribute to Murphys legacy.Soon after his revenge-fueled assault against the Germans, Murphy stood against the enemy in a series of actions that would earn him a Congressional Medal of Honor. Promoted to an officer and now a company commander in the Third Infantry Division in France, his unit was pinned down by enemy fire and waves of advancing troops. Fearful for his men, Murphy ordered the company to fall back into better protected positions in the wooded area behind his command post. Rather than withdraw with his men, Murphy remained in the frontline and called in artillery fire to disrupt the advancing Germans. As six enemy tanks approached his position, Murphy single-handedly operated a .50 caliber machine gun atop a burning Allied tank, fending off dozens of enemy infantrymen.Audie Murphys Medal of Honor citation, 1985. Source: Smithsonian InstitutionAlone, Murphy dodged incoming fire from three directions. His bravery, however, turned the tide of the action. After being deprived of infantry support, the German tanks slowed their assault. When German tanks closed within ten yards of Murphy, he ran out of ammunition and returned to the woods near his men, where he was hit by an enemy bullet. His heroic stand lasted an hour, and Murphy killed and wounded approximately 50 German soldiers on his own. Upon returning to his men, Murphy organized counter-fire, directed artillery barrages, and refused medical assistance until the Germans finally withdrew. By saving his company from inevitable destruction and enabling them to hold their ground, Murphys Medal of Honor-winning actions consolidated his legacy as the United States most decorated soldier of the war.Hollywood Film StarAudie Murphy in the role of Henry Fleming in the 1951 film Red Badge of Courage. Source: MGM/Wikimedia CommonsAfter returning home to America, Murphy enjoyed a heros welcome and was honored by banquets and news programs across the country. LIFE magazine flattered the physically small but larger-than-life figure by placing him on the cover of their July 16, 1945, issue. Inspired by this photograph, a Hollywood actor persuaded Murphy to try his hand at acting. Despite his courageous and bold reputation, the former battlefield commander initially experienced little success. Instead, Murphy focused on writing his autobiography, entitled To Hell and Back. The memoir soon became a national hit, and in 1955, Murphy was cast to play himself in a film adaptation of the book. The movie was also a major success and remained Universals top-grossing production until the shark thriller Jaws became a fan favorite almost two decades later.Despite early setbacks, Murphys post-war career soon flourished after publishing his autobiography. The actor went on to star in nearly 45 Hollywood feature films, mostly Westerns, in addition to a leading role in an NBC television show in the early 1960s. Success in film allowed Murphy and his wife to experience luxuries that he was not afforded in childhood or in the military. Aside from acting, Murphy healed from the traumas of war through creative hobbies including writing songs, reading poetry, and horse breeding. These distractions and newfound wealth, however, were not enough to circumvent the mental challenges of returning from World War II.Continued Military ServiceKorean War Memorial in Washington DC, 1980-2006. Source: Library of CongressOne month after the Korean War began, Murphy joined the 36th Infantry Division of the Texas National Guard. His superiors, however, rightfully understood that Murphy had seen enough combat. As such, the World War II hero was not sent to Korea, and was instead given responsibility for training new recruits. During his time supporting the Korean War effort, Murphy married Pamela Archer, a Texan airline stewardess. Together, the couple had two sons, Terry and James, leaving the war hero with many other cares in life besides his return to military service.The National Guard used his image and story for recruitment purposes before transferring Murphy to an inactive status one year later in 1951. Despite returning to active duty in 1955 and being promoted to Major in 1956, Murphy soon left active-duty service for good, remaining in inactive roles with the National Guard and Army Reserves until 1969. His journey from lower enlisted to field-grade officer is one rarely emulated, a testament to Murphys character and devotion to duty. This journey came at a price, as Murphy found himself sleepless, addicted to gambling, and depressed.Overcoming Post Traumatic Stress DisorderSoldier recovering from shell shock during World War I, 1918. Source: Library of CongressUnsurprisingly after experiencing years of harrowing combat, Murphy struggled with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, then called battle fatigue. The rising acting star was dependent on sleeping pills to make it through restless nights amid failed gambling ventures. Realizing his addiction, Murphy locked himself in a motel room to combat the withdrawal symptoms. While this strategy paid off, Murphys bravery to openly talk about his mental difficulties opened the door for everyday veterans to confront their struggles as well, illustrating a mental fortitude to match his physical courage.DeathAudie Murphys gravestone at Arlington National Cemetery, 1980-2006. Source: Library of CongressDespite surviving debilitating physical and mental injuries and almost certain death during World War II, Murphys astounding life ended abruptly in 1971 at just 46 years old. The decorated veteran and movie star boarded a private plane in Georgia bound for Virginia which encountered severe weather conditions on the way. The pilot acknowledged the hazardous conditions in the air and called to request an unexpected landing at a local airport in Roanoke. With poor visibility, the plane crashed into a mountain before it could land, killing all passengers on board. The crash site, now a dedicated part of the Appalachian Trail, memorializes Murphy for hikers to reflect on his many sacrifices as they hike the popular East Coast route. Murphy is buried in Arlington National Cemetery alongside his brothers and sisters in arms, and his gravesite continues to see plenty of visitors looking to pay tribute to the legend.LegacyAudie Murphy commemorative stamp, 2000. Source: National Postal Museum, Smithsonian InstitutionToday, Murphy stands as one of the most decorated soldiers in American history and the most recognized soldier of World War II. With 33 military medals including the Medal of Honor, a Distinguished Service Cross, multiple Silver Stars, and three Purple Hearts, Murphys heroics in combat are irrefutable. Despite his small stature, Murphys fame as the countrys most decorated World War II soldier added credibility to his advocacy for mental health. By opening the door for transparent communication as one of the bravest men in American history, Murphy paved the way for thousands of modern veterans to discuss their experiences with post-traumatic stress disorder. Accordingly, the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Affairs Hospital in San Antonio, Texas was named in his honor.The United States Army carries on his legacy through the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, a respected organization for deserving non-commissioned officers who compete for the right to belong among military excellence. By demonstrating wise leadership, unparalleled care for soldiers, physical prowess, and a narrowed focus on effective training, non-commissioned officers who are deemed worthy by a board of their superiors are awarded a medallion with Murphys image on the front. This tradition remains after nearly 40 years of existence and continues to honor Murphys legacy for experienced soldiers who strive to emulate his exploits.Despite his premature death, Audie Murphy continues to live on, and his life of courage on and off the battlefield continues to be an inspiration to thousands of Americans.

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