Sergeant Alvin C. York

Biography

On December 13th, 1887 Alvin C. York was born in a log cabin in the sleepy town of Pall Mall, Tennessee. He was one of eleven children in a decidedly poor family. His father died when he was a young man and being the eldest child still at home he helped his mother raise his younger siblings. In order to procure food for his impoverished family he had to learn to become a skilled hunter. It was out of this necessity that he became a exceptionally talented marksman, which would come to be a great advantage for him on the battlefield.

When the time came for York to register for the draft during World War I, he was working as a blacksmith. He was a devout christian and was a member of a pacifist congregation that did not support the war. However, it was mandatory for all males between the ages of 21 and 41 to enroll in the draft. He was put in Company G, 328th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Infantry Division at Camp Gordon, Georgia. Struggling with his faith inspired opposition to the idea of war, he consulted his commanders who were also religious men and with their words of encouragement he was assured that he was doing the right thing. It was fortunate that he came around to this way of thinking, as his performance in combat would prove to be incalculable.

It was on the front lines of the war in France that York's excellent leadership skills thrived and his marksmanship skills proved invaluable. On October 18th, 1918, In Chatel-Chenery. France his company was charged with the mission of penetrating the German lines and dismantling their machine gun defense. By doing so the Decauvilla Railroad, a valuable resource, could be recovered. During the onset of the attack nine of the members of the group were quickly picked off by Germans. York took charge of the seven remaining members of his team and pushed further into enemy territory. He advanced into machine guns blasting in his direction, all while firing his own weapon off at the enemy. Seven German soldiers in a trench attacked him with bayonets but he shot each one of them before they could reach him. York sniped about seventeen of the German enemy gunners. The German's First Lieutenant surrendered and 132 soldiers were taken captive by York and his men. It was for his actions during this event that he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Initially he was given the Distinguished Service Cross, but upon further review and investigation, the medal was upgraded to the Medal of Honor.

In 1919, York returned from the war and immediately got back to building his life at home in Tennessee. Shortly after returning, he married Gracie Loretta Williams. He would receive nationwide fame after a news article detailed the story of the reclaiming of the Decauvilla Railroad. However, York would refuse to any offers he got that profited from his story of heroism. instead he put a great amount of effort into the Alvin C. York Foundation which helped to give the youth of Pall Mall, Tennessee and other surrounding areas better educational opportunities.

When American involvement in World War II began he tried to re-enlist. Unfortunately because of his poor health and age he was not admitted back into the army. However, he was given a position of major in the Army Signal Corps. In this position he traveled around the country and visited training camps where he provided encouragement for the trainees.

Alvin C. York passed away on September 2nd, 1964. He was laid to rest in his home town of Pall Mall, Tennessee. He was survived by seven of his eight children. His legacy was memorialized in a movie made in 1941. He also has six buildings using his namesake and a commemorative stamp was made in his honor for the "distinguished soldiers" series.

Sergeant Alvin C. York's Ribbon Rack

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Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor was awarded to Alvin C. York for his valorous performance in Chatel-Chenery. France on October 18th, 1918. The Medal of Honor is the highest military awarded by the United States. It is bestowed upon the recipient by the President of the United States. The honor is given to those who have displayed exceptional heroism and have gone beyond the call of duty, while in service of the United States.
Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor was awarded to Alvin C. York for his valorous performance in Chatel-Chenery. France on October 18th, 1918. The Medal of Honor is the highest military awarded by the United States. It is bestowed upon the recipient by the President of the United States. The honor is given to those who have displayed exceptional heroism and have gone beyond the call of duty, while in service of the United States.
Army Distinguished Service Cross Ribbon
Initially awarded the Army Distinguished Service Cross Ribbon, Alvin C. York was upgraded to the Medal of Honor. This award is the second highest honor given to members of the United States Army. It is given in honor of excellent service that exceeds the call of duty.
Army Distinguished Service Cross Ribbon
Army Distinguished Service Cross Ribbon
Initially awarded the Army Distinguished Service Cross Ribbon, Alvin C. York was upgraded to the Medal of Honor. This award is the second highest honor given to members of the United States Army. It is given in honor of excellent service that exceeds the call of duty.
World War I Victory Medal Ribbon
This medal is awarded to American soldiers who served during World War I.
World War I Victory Medal Ribbon
World War I Victory Medal Ribbon
This medal is awarded to American soldiers who served during World War I.
American Campaign Medal Ribbon
The American Campaign Medal was awarded to Alvin C. York for serving for a minimum of one continuous year in the continental United States as a major in the Army Signal Corps during World War II.
American Campaign Medal Ribbon
American Campaign Medal Ribbon
The American Campaign Medal was awarded to Alvin C. York for serving for a minimum of one continuous year in the continental United States as a major in the Army Signal Corps during World War II.
Légion d'honneur
Légion d'honneur is a French order that was established by Napoleon Bonaparte. Only French nationals can be members. However, foreigners who have served the interests of France can be bestowed the medal for honorary purposes; such is the case with Alvin C. York.
Légion d'honneur
Légion d'honneur
Légion d'honneur is a French order that was established by Napoleon Bonaparte. Only French nationals can be members. However, foreigners who have served the interests of France can be bestowed the medal for honorary purposes; such is the case with Alvin C. York.
French Croix De Guerre Medal with Palm
This is a French unit award that is awarded to those units that have displayed great heroism in combat.

Photo credit attributed to: Croix de guerre 1939–1945 stripe bronsepalme" by Ordensherre - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

French Croix De Guerre Medal with Palm
French Croix De Guerre Medal with Palm
This is a French unit award that is awarded to those units that have displayed great heroism in combat.

Photo credit attributed to: Croix de guerre 1939–1945 stripe bronsepalme" by Ordensherre - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Croce al Merito di Guerra
This is an Italian medal that Alvin C. York earned during World War I. The medal was awarded between the years of 1918 and 1927. York earned this award for his valorous acts.
Croce al Merito di Guerra
Croce al Merito di Guerra
This is an Italian medal that Alvin C. York earned during World War I. The medal was awarded between the years of 1918 and 1927. York earned this award for his valorous acts.
Montenegrin War Medal
An award of the country of Montenegro. It is awarded for preserving order and independence for the country.
Montenegrin War Medal
Montenegrin War Medal
An award of the country of Montenegro. It is awarded for preserving order and independence for the country.

See Also:

World War I
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