1. A True American Hero
Alvin C. York

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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!

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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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

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