A True American Hero Alvin C. York 1887-1964

Sgt. Alvin York – Hero of Argonne Forest Born in log cabin in Tennessee 3rd of 11 children Worked as Blacksmith & Farmer Brawling alcoholic Pacifist mother begged him to give up life of violence Best friend beaten to death in Saloon brawl

A New Life of Pacifism Gave up his life of brawling Committed to a new life in Christ (1915) Chose a life of Pacifism 3 Years later, at age 29 York was drafted York applied for conscientious objector status

From Conscientious Objector to Hero! Conscientious Objector status denied In training, told his commander he was against war because of 10 Commandments Captain showed him New Testament verse, “I bring you not peace but a sword” It was all York needed!

Later, disclaimed Status Status approved later in war Sgt. York refused to sign Disclaimed ever having been a conscientious objector

From Pacifist to Hero Member of a 17-man unit Sent to capture enemy machine guns Stumbled upon Ger. Headquarters Took prisoners Machine guns opened fire killing 9 men in York’s unit Leaving York in charge

His Amazing Deeds As his men remained under cover, and guarding the prisoners, York worked his way into position to silence the German machine guns. And those machine guns were spitting fire and cutting down the undergrowth all around me something awful. And the Germans were yelling orders. You never heard such a racket in all of your life. I didn't have time to dodge behind a tree or dive into the brush… As soon as the machine guns opened fire on me, I began to exchange shots with them. There were over thirty of them in continuous action, and all I could do was touch the Germans off just as fast as I could. I was sharp shooting… All the time I kept yelling at them to come down. I didn't want to kill any more than I had to. But it was they or I. And I was giving them the best I had.

During the assault, a group of eight German soldiers in a trench near York were ordered to charge him with fixed bayonets. York had fired all the rounds in his rifle, but drew out his pistol and shot all eight of the soldiers before they could reach him. One of York’s prisoners, German First Lieutenant Paul Jürgen Vollmer (who spoke fluent English), emptied his pistol trying to kill York while he was contending with the machine guns. Failing to injure York, and seeing his mounting losses, he offered to surrender the unit to York, who gladly accepted. By the end of the engagement, York and his seven men marched 132 German prisoners back to the American lines. His actions silenced the German machine guns and were responsible for enabling the 328th Infantry to renew its attack to capture the Decauville Railroad.

Awards and Honors Medal of Honor Distinguished Service Cross World War I Victory Medal American Campaign Medal World War II Victory Medal French Légion d'honneur French Croix de guerre with Palm Italian Croce di Guerra Montenegrin War Medal

After the War Married Gracie Williams, 1919. Moved back to Tennessee. Had 7 children, all named after historical figures.

Life of service to nation & Tennessee Built Ag. School, Bible school, and high school in Tennessee Built a mill in his hometown Tried to enlist in WWII, denied due to age Started Tenn. State Guard Spoke on Bond Tours Recruited & Inspected

The Stuff of Movies Filmed in 1941, during WWII Alvin York resisted at first until war broke out Gave permission only if Gary Cooper played him The movie won 2 Academy Awards, Best Actor

Still Joyful at Life’s End Passed Away in 1964 of a Stroke Still positive and joyful in 1962 at age 77